System and method to facilitate and support electronic communication of request for proposals

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/854,653, filed May 25, 2004, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,043,454 on May 9, 2006, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/747,748, filed Dec. 22, 2000 now abandoned, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application 60/173,170, filed Dec. 27, 1999, which are incorporated by reference along with all other references cited in this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0002The method and apparatus of the present invention relate to electronic contract applications using electronic networks.

0003Innovation in the past two decades has been unprecedented. Innovation is important in facilitating economic growth, enhancing standards of living, spreading creativity, and the arts. Today, the Internet is the fastest growing communications tool in the history of the world; tomorrow, the Internet will be the primary communications tool for the entire world. Full-time instantaneous access to every waking person: this is the future. With the Internet, ideas may be communicated between parties more quickly.

0004With the ease of the communication of ideas today and in the future through the Internet or other similar communications networks and mediums, there are also shortcomings. Innovators worry that their ideas might be misappropriated or nonconfidentially disclosed. People who require innovations do not have a place to solicit other's ideas or confidentially list their requirements. These are just some of the many shortcomings of communicating ideas over a medium such as the Internet.

0005Furthermore, the deficiencies in the prior art include, but are not limited to, lack of standardized commercial and contractual relationships; lack of industry and trade practices applicable across a multitude of industry segments; lack of clear submission criteria; lack of binding, universally applicable confidential disclosure means; lack of efficient and accessible enforcement means; inability to identify accurately likely users capable of implementing the idea or innovation; uncertainty in legal obligations between originator and user; the inability to identify relevant ideas prior to gaining access to a fully disclosed idea; and inability to identify relevant ideas prior to gaining access to a fully disclosed idea.

0006Current user-driven innovation transfer protocols are likewise limited in application. Companies of all sizes and in all industries face the same problem—how to access effectively and efficiently externally and internally generated innovation without the attendant unmanageable exposure to potential liability for alleged misappropriation. Users desiring access to externally (i.e., innovation generated by nonemployees) and internally (innovation generated by employees and consultants) generated innovation face significant barriers, transaction costs, and legal liability.

0007With respect to externally generated ideas, users often lack the resources and expertise required to filter and screen efficiently external, unsolicited idea submissions. Users fear that originators who have submitted ideas to them may later claim that the user's implementation of similar concepts or ideas are substantially similar to, based on, or are derivatives of those ideas disclosed to the user by the originator. Users fear that a user's independently created innovation may be subject to legal claims of originators who previously have submitted similar ideas to the user. The key to facilitating submission of innovation originated outside the organization is creating an innovation transfer tool that effectively and efficiently manages the flow of innovation and the legal relationship between originator and user.

0008With respect to internally generated ideas, originators often lack sufficient compensatory incentives to disclose potentially valuable ideas. Existing proprietary innovation transfer protocols for the transfer of internally generated innovation typically consist of little more than a suggestion box in which employee originators are asked to submit ideas (e.g., cost savings methods, new business methods, product or service improvements, business opportunities, advertising slogans, etc.) for use by the employer user. Typically, employer users will implement a nonbinding policy whereby the employer user indicates that, while it shall not be under any legal obligation to compensate the employee originator for the use or implementation of the employee originator's idea, the employer user will gratuitously compensate the employee originator for submitted ideas that impart significant value to the employer user. The gratuitous compensation is generally subject to an upper-limit and is determined in the sole discretion of the employer user. As a result, such idea submission programs and innovation transfer protocols fail to provide adequate incentive for employee originators to develop and disclose potentially valuable ideas and are necessarily unilateral and nonbinding. The present invention addresses the deficiencies in the prior art by empowering employee originators with the ability to negotiate at arms length with employer users as to the “reasonable compensation” to be paid for the employer user's use of the idea. The present invention allows for and facilitates bilateral commerce in employee-originator developed ideas.

0009The deficiencies in the prior art include the inability of smaller businesses and individuals to communicate globally to potential originators confidential RFPs; the inability of originators to search efficiently and effectively for relevant RFPs; the inability of smaller organizations or individuals to identify efficiently and effectively willing originators and to obtain and access proposals and potential solutions; and the inability of originators to communicate efficiently and effectively proposed solutions globally and confidentially to smaller organizations and individuals.

0010Therefore, there is a need to utilize the power of the Internet and to allow for the implementation of a unique business model to manage effectively and efficiently a marketplace for raw ideas—in short, to manage innovation. There is need to allow novice and expert innovators alike to present confidentially or nonconfidentially their ideas, innovations and inventions directly or globally to individuals and companies capable of implementing the innovation and possessing the resources needed to exploit the opportunity.

0011As can be seen, a method and apparatus are needed to provide an electronic marketplace of ideas and confidential ideas over a network or system like the Internet.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0012The present invention is a method and apparatus for effectuating bilateral commerce in ideas. The present invention is both an originator- and user-driven on-line commercial network system designed to facilitate idea submission, purchase, and licensing and is easily adapted to business-to-business (B2B) transfers of innovation as well as consumer-to-business (C2B) transfers of innovation. The invention allows originators of ideas to communicate nondisclosing synopses of ideas directly or globally to potential users, for users conveniently to search for relevant ideas and for users potentially to bind an originator to a license granting the user the right to access and consider confidentially the originator's fully disclosed idea. The invention also allows users to communicate confidentially or nonconfidentially unsolved problems or needs globally to potential originators, for originators conveniently to search for relevant unsolved problems or needs and for originators to submit and communicate confidentially proposed solutions to the soliciting user.

0013In one embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes a controller that receives ideas from originators. The controller classifies the ideas according to topic, industry, intended user, or other characteristic or input variable and makes a nondisclosing synopsis (summary or description) of the ideas available individually and/or globally to one or more potential users. Potential users have the option to review all nondisclosing synopses or define relevant search criteria that is utilized by the controller's search engine to search the fully disclosed idea database and display relevant nondisclosing synopses with a corresponding relevancy rank. Potential users may access the fully disclosed idea that corresponds to the chosen nondisclosing synopsis and thereby bind both the user and the originator to a license agreement granting the user the right to access and consider the fully disclosed idea on the terms contained in the license. The relevancy rank allows potential users to access only relevant fully disclosed ideas and rank or prioritize the nondisclosing synopses that seem to meet the potential user's criteria. In this manner, users do not have to access those fully disclosed ideas for which the user has no desire to review and consider, thus reducing any potential exposure to liability for misappropriation with respect to fully disclosed ideas not accessed by the user.

0014In an alternative embodiment, the user is not granted access to the fully disclosed idea unless and until the originator grants the identifiable user access. In this embodiment, the user, upon attempting to access the fully disclosed idea, is informed by the system that authorization from the corresponding originator is required. The user is then requested by the system to input identifying and other required information. The corresponding originator is notified by the central controller that a user desires access to the fully disclosed idea. The notification contains the relevant identifying and other information about the user. If the originator does not wish this particular user to access the fully disclosed idea, the user is informed by the central controller that access has been denied. If the originator approves of the user, the user is notified by the central controller that access has been granted.

0015In one embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes a controller that receives ideas from originators. The controller classifies the ideas according to topic, industry, intended user or other characteristic or input variable and makes a nondisclosing synopsis (summary or description) of the ideas available globally to potential users. Potential users then have the option to access the fully disclosed ideas and thereby bind both the user and the originator to a license granting the user the right to access and consider the fully disclosed idea according to the terms of the license agreement. Users desiring to commercially exploit or otherwise utilize the originator's fully disclosed idea will negotiate directly with the originator for an exclusive or nonexclusive license, option, preemptive right or assignment of the idea utilizing current chat, voice-telephony or other electronically or web-enabled communication means.

0016In another embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes a controller that receives detailed descriptions of users' unmet needs or unsolved problems. The controller classifies the unmet needs or unsolved problems according to topic, industry, intended originator, or other characteristic or input variable and makes a nondisclosing synopsis (summary or description) of the unmet needs or unsolved problems available directly or globally to potential users. Potential originators have the option to access the fully disclosed unmet needs or unsolved problems and thereby bind both the user and the originator to a license granting the originator the right to access and consider the fully disclosed unmet need or unsolved problem according to the terms of the license agreement. Originators desiring to propose solutions to the soliciting users' unmet needs or unsolved problems will submit to the central controller or directly to the soliciting users, proposed solutions to the users' unmet needs or unsolved problems. Such proposed solutions are submitted and communicated to the soliciting users in the same manner described above for originators submitting ideas. Soliciting users then access the originator's proposed solution in the same manner described above for users accessing ideas of originators. Users desiring to implement or otherwise use an originator's proposed solution will negotiate directly with the originator to determine the terms of use and/or implementation utilizing current chat, voice-telephony or other electronically or web-enabled communication means.

0017The method and apparatus of the present invention have applications on the Internet as well as conventional communications systems such as voice telephony and facsimile.

0018In one originator-driven embodiment of this invention, communications between originators and users are conducted using an electronic network and central controller. An originator who desires to post, license or sell an idea accesses the central controller located on a remote server; The originator submits electronically the fully disclosed idea (“FDI”), creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the idea (“NDS(FDI)”), and specifies the subject matter of the idea that he or she desires to be posted and/or the intended user whom the originator believes to have a particular interest in and/or use for the originator's FDI.

0019For example, a typical FDI might be an original screenplay for a feature-length comedy. The specified subject matter would be “motion picture” and a potential intended user would be Universal Studios. The originator of the screenplay would submit to the central controller the entire screenplay in text format or as an electronic file attachment such as a Microsoft Word document file. The originator would then, with the assistance of standardized submission guidelines, electronic submission forms, helpful on-line hints and current artificial intelligence technology, create a nondisclosing synopsis of the screenplay comprising a log line or brief summary of its key components, intended to disclose only enough of the screenplay's substance as is necessary to entice potential users (e.g., studio executives or motion picture producers). This nondisclosing synopsis may be in text form, video, audio, interactive hypertext or other media capable of electronic transmission. The originator may, but is not required to, input or communicate to the central controller additional information such as the originator's identity, originator's qualifications and credits, reserve price or other conditions the originator may require. For example, the originator may be an experienced and well-known screenwriter and may wish to disclose originator's identity and film credits. Originator may also designate a minimum reserve price, which in the movie industry may be the minimum option price for the script or screenplay.

0020Originator then attaches an originator identification (such as user name and password) to the FDI and transmits the FDI, NDS(FDI) and other disclosed information to the central controller. Under the present invention, the FDI, NDS(FDI) and other information may be transmitted via numerous means including a world-wide-web interface, electronic mail, voice mail, facsimile, courier or postal mail. Prior to accepting the FDI, NDS(FDI) and other information, central controller communicates the terms of a standardized submission agreement to the originator. If the originator refuses the terms of the submission agreement, the FDI, NDS(FDI), and other information is returned to the originator and no further action is taken by central controller. If the originator agrees to the terms of the submission agreement, central controller assigns an originator identification number unique to the specified originator and a unique tracking number to that originator's FDI. The FDI is communicated to and retained in a secure FDI database. Before communicating the NDS(FDI) and other information to potential users, central controller authenticates the originator's identification number against an originator database. The central controller then assigns a unique tracking number to the NDS(FDI) and other information which corresponds to the FDI tracking number and globally displays the NDS(FDI) and other information in a manner that is available to be viewed by any interested potential users.

0021In an alternative embodiment, the NDS(FDI) and other information is displayed solely to one or more intended users. NDS(FDI)s may be displayed by subject, industry or other category to make it easier for potential users to identify relevant NDS(FDI)s. Thus, a user could log onto a web site, for example, and see a listing of NDS(FDI) subject, industry or other categories. The user could then choose a particular category and have the ability to browse available NDS(FDI)s that correspond to such category. In an alternative embodiment, users can use artificial intelligence protocols and search engines to identify relevant NDS(FDI)s. In one embodiment, users may be required to provide qualifications in order to view the NDS(FDI)s in a given category.

0022If, after reviewing a particular NDS(FDI), a potential user wishes to access the corresponding FDI, that user communicates this intent to the central controller. Upon receipt by central controller of user's response, central controller communicates to user the terms of access as provided in an on-line license agreement granting user the right to review and consider the FDI. If user refuses the terms of the license agreement, access to the FDI is denied by central controller. If user agrees to the terms of the license agreement, central controller time-stamps user's response and authenticates user's identity and user's qualifications to determine if user's qualifications meet any conditions imposed by the originator as to which users may obtain access to the FDI. The system then verifies that the NDS(FDI) is still “active” and that the FDI is capable of being accessed. If user meets all conditions, central controller communicates the FDI to user and changes status of the corresponding FDI to “licensed.” Central controller assigns a unique tracking number to user's response and stores it in a user response database. In one embodiment subsequent users will be able to access a “licensed” FDI. In another embodiment the user that licensed the FDI is granted an unlimited period of time in which to review and consider the FDI. Central controller then communicates a license confirmation to the originator and the user.

0023In one embodiment, the originator may specify that access to an FDI be limited to one user at a time. In this embodiment, the accessing user is given a limited period of time to review and consider the FDI (e.g., 48 hours). In the event that the accessing user decides not to license, purchase or otherwise acquire the rights to the FDI, the accessing user is denied further access and the FDI is made available to a subsequent user for exclusive review and consideration.

0024If a user desires to obtain the right to use the FDI or otherwise an option, license, preemptive right, or assignment of the FDI, that user proposes terms of an FDI transfer agreement and communicates the offer to central controller. Central controller receives proposed FDI transfer agreement and assigns a unique tracking number. FDI transfer agreement status is set to “active.” FDI transfer agreement is stored in FDI transfer agreement database and then transmitted to the originator for review and consideration. If originator does not bind user by accepting the proposed terms of the FDI transfer agreement, FDI transfer agreement is transmitted back to user and status of the FDI transfer agreement changes to “completed.” User may then submit subsequent proposed FDI transfer agreements using the same procedure as outlined above. If originator binds, the originator communicates acceptance of the FDI transfer agreement to central controller and status of the FDI transfer agreement changes to “completed.”

0025In another embodiment, the terms of an FDI transfer agreement are specified by the originator and included in the FDI transmitted to the user. If user agrees to the terms of transfer and/or terms of use proposed by originator in the FDI, user communicates acceptance to central controller. Central controller time-stamps user's response and authenticates user's identity and qualifications. The central controller then assigns a tracking number to user's response, and user's response is stored in an FDI transfer agreement database. At this point, user and originator are parties to legally binding agreement.

0026In another embodiment, the central controller automatically manages the payment system between user and originator. Various methods of payments may be utilized by the invention, including credit cards, personal checks, electronic funds transfer, debit cards, digital cash, etc. The payment system may also involve the use of an escrow account associated with the user wherein funds advanced by the user to cover the FDI transfer price agreed to in the FDI transfer agreement can be kept pending delivery of FDI and performance of any obligations by originator as provided in the FDI transfer agreement.

0027The present invention is therefore a highly effective and efficient bilateral originator-driven commerce system. It improves the ability of originators to reach users desiring access to and use of originators' FDIs and improves users' ability to identify relevant FDIs.

0028The present invention has further user-driven applications in the form of the posting of unmet needs and unsolved problems. Current needs posting protocols are limited in application and usefulness.

0029Successful implementation of existing needs posting protocols requires complete, up-front disclosure of the unmet need or unsolved problem. The present invention allows for and facilitates the posting of a nondisclosing synopsis of the unmet need or unsolved problem as well as posting of a nondisclosing synopsis of the proposed solution.

0030In one user-driven embodiment of this invention, a user who desires to post a request for proposal comprising a fully disclosed unmet need or unsolved problem (“RFP”) accesses the central controller located on a remote server. The user electronically submits the RFP, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the RFP (“NDS(RFP)”) and specifies the subject matter of the RFP desired to be posted and/or the intended originator whom the user believes is capable of proposing solutions to the user's RFP. For example, a typical RFP might be a request for method for formation of crystalline metal oxides at low temperatures. The specified subject matter would be chemical process and a potential intended originator would be the University of New Mexico.

0031The present invention is therefore a highly effective and efficient bilateral user-driven commerce system that improves the ability of users to reach originators capable of satisfying users' unmet needs and unsolved problems and improves originators' ability to identify relevant RFPs and submit FDIs comprising a solution to users' RFPs.

0032The present invention can also be practiced in off-line embodiments rather than electronic mail or web-based servers. Originators and users may communicate with central controller via telephone, facsimile, courier, postal mail or other off-line communications tools. For example, an originator may use a courier to submit FDIs and NDS(FDI)s to central controller which then compiles a list of available NDS(FDI)s for distribution via courier to potential users. Users interested in a relevant NDS(FDI) and desiring access to a corresponding FDI may communicate a request to central controller which, after communicating the license agreement to user and receiving user's acceptance of the license agreement terms, delivers the FDI to user via courier.

0033In another on-line embodiment, cryptographic protocols are used to authenticate the identity of originators and/or users and verify the integrity of originator and user communications with the central controller. Using cryptography and biometrics, the central controller can make it significantly more difficult for unauthorized persons to tamper with the system by passing themselves off as legitimate originators and users or intercepting and/or eavesdropping on system communications.

0034What the present invention accomplishes, which no previous system has done before, is to create an effective and efficient marketplace for confidential information.

0035The applicant is unaware of the existence of any commercially viable bilateral user- and originator-driven commercial systems that incorporate the above features and address the deficiencies of the prior art. Therefore, it is one objective of the present invention to allow originators of ideas to communicate confidentially or nonconfidentially nondisclosing synopses of ideas globally to potential users, for users conveniently to search for relevant ideas and for users potentially to bind an originator to a license granting the user the right to access and consider the originator's fully disclosed idea.

0036The present invention allows users to communicate confidentially or nonconfidentially nondisclosing synopses of RFPs globally to potential originators, for originators conveniently to search for relevant RFPs and for originators potentially to bind a user to a license granting the user the right to access and consider the user's fully disclosed RFP.

0037The present invention allows employee and nonemployee originators to communicate confidentially or nonconfidentially nondisclosing synopses of ideas directly to relevant and intended users and to enable such users conveniently to search for and access both internally and externally generated relevant ideas and for users potentially to bind an originator to a license granting the user the right to access and consider the originator's fully disclosed idea.

0038The present invention allows for effective and efficient idea transfer management to be utilized by originators and users alike.

0039The present invention substantially reduces transaction and search costs associated with idea transfer transactions to enable more innovation to emerge in the marketplace.

0040The present invention provides an effective and efficient arbitration and tracking means to mitigate potential liability associated with idea transfer transactions.

0041The present invention provides a negotiating means to allow the originator and user to negotiate the terms of the extended option, purchase, assignment or license of a fully disclosed idea.

0042In an embodiment, the invention is a method of using a computer to conduct a transaction between a user and an originator. A basic description and a corresponding detailed description of the user's unmet need or unsolved problem are input into the computer. The originator is permitted to access the basic description of the user's unmet needs or unsolved problems. For the basic description, the originator is provided an option to access the corresponding detailed description by agreeing to an on-line license agreement. The originator inputs into the computer an indication of agreement the on-line license agreement. The originator is provided with access via the computer to the corresponding detailed description. The on-line license agreement may have be a limited duration, exclusive license. After the originator has indicated agreement to the on-line license agreement, other potential originators are disallowed from accessing the basic description and corresponding description for the duration of the license agreement. The corresponding detailed description may be stored in the computer in encrypted form. The originator is provided with an access key to decrypt the corresponding detailed description after agreeing to the license agreement.

0043In another embodiment, the invention is a method of using a computer to conduct a transaction between an originator and a user. A basic description and a corresponding detailed description of the originator's proposal are input into the computer. The user is permitted to access the basic description of the originator's proposal. For the basic description, the user is provided an option to access the corresponding detailed description by agreeing to an on-line license agreement. The user inputs into the computer an indication of agreement to the on-line license agreement. And, the originator is provided with access via the computer to the corresponding detailed description. The originator's proposal is submitted in response to the user's unmet need or unsolved problem inputted and accessed using the computer. The on-line license agreement may be a limited duration, exclusive license. After the user has indicated agreement to the on-line license agreement, other potential users are disallowed from accessing the basic description and corresponding description for the duration of the license agreement. The corresponding detailed description may be stored in the computer in encrypted form. The user is provided with an access key to decrypt the corresponding description after agreeing to the license agreement.

0044In another embodiment, the invention is an apparatus to facilitate transactions between a user and an originator. A computer includes a processor and storage device. A computer program causes the computer to store using the storage device a basic description and a corresponding detailed description of the user's unmet needs or unsolved problems. The computer program causes the computer to allow the originator to access the basic description of the user's unmet needs or unsolved problems. The computer program causes the computer to allow the originator to access the corresponding detailed description by agreeing to an on-line license agreement.

0045In another embodiment, the invention is an apparatus to facilitate transactions between a user and an originator. A computer including a processor and storage devices. A computer program causes the computer to store using the storage device a basic description and a corresponding detailed description of the originator's proposal. The computer program causes the computer to allow the user to access the basic description of the originator's proposal. The computer program causes the computer to allow the user to access the corresponding detailed description by agreeing to an on-line license agreement.

0046These and other features and embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the invention, the accompanying drawings and the claims. The present invention provides efficient idea and intellectual asset submission, storage, distribution, screening, tracking and scoring. The present invention facilitates identification of relevant ideas prior to viewing an FDI to reduce the likelihood of a user accessing irrelevant ideas or accessing ideas already under development, previously considered or independently developed by the accessing user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a </i>illustrates an originator-driven embodiment of the present invention.

0048<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>b </i>illustrates a user-driven embodiment of the present invention.

0049<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows one embodiment of the central controller.

0050<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows one embodiment of the user interface.

0051<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows one embodiment of the originator interface.

0052<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref><i>a </i>depicts an originator-driven embodiment showing the submission of a fully disclosed idea, the creation of a nondisclosing synopsis, and use of a submission agreement.

0053<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref><i>b </i>depicts a user-driven embodiment showing the submission of a fully disclosed request for proposal, the creation of a nondisclosing synopsis, and use of a submission agreement.

0054<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref><i>a </i>depicts an embodiment showing acceptance of an NDS(FDI) by the central controller.

0055<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref><i>b </i>depicts an embodiment showing acceptance of an NDS(RFP) by the central controller.

0056<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref><i>a </i>depicts an embodiment showing the activation of an NDS(FDI).

0057<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref><i>b </i>depicts an embodiment showing the activation of an NDS(RFP).

0058<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref><i>a </i>depicts an embodiment of the maintenance of active NDS(FDI)s.

0059<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref><i>b </i>depicts an embodiment of the maintenance of active NDS(RFP)s.

0060<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref><i>a </i>depicts an embodiment showing a user selecting an NDS(FDI), accepting the terms of a license agreement and accessing the associated FDI.

0061<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref><i>b </i>depicts an embodiment showing an originator selecting an NDS(RFP), accepting the terms of a license agreement and accessing the associated RFP.

0062<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10</figref><i>a </i>and <b>11</b><i>a </i>depict an embodiment showing the binding of a user to the license agreement upon selecting an NDS(FDI) for further review as required to access the corresponding FDI.

0063<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10</figref><i>b </i>and <b>11</b><i>b </i>depict an embodiment showing the binding of an originator to the license agreement upon selecting an NDS(RFP) for further review as required to access the corresponding RFP.

0064<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref><i>a </i>depicts a procedure for transferring the right to use the FDI to user.

0065<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref><i>b </i>depicts a procedure for proposing a solution to user's RFP to user.

0066<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> depicts a payment method.

0067<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14</figref><i>a </i>through <b>17</b><i>a </i>depict a user authentication procedure using conventional cryptographic protocols.

0068<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14</figref><i>b </i>through <b>17</b><i>b </i>depict an originator authentication procedure using conventional cryptographic protocols.

0069<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 18</figref><i>a </i>and <b>19</b> depict an embodiment for proposing terms regarding the transferring of the right to use an FDI to user and for transferring the right to use the FDI to user.

0070<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref><i>b </i>depicts the method for an originator to submit a proposed solution to user's RFP, which solution comprises an FDI.

0071<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> depicts an embodiment showing the use of a trusted server and a bonding agency.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

0072The present invention is a method and apparatus for effectuating bilateral commerce in ideas. The present invention is both an originator- and user-driven on-line commercial network system designed to facilitate idea submission, purchase and licensing and is easily adapted to business-to-business transfers of innovation as well as consumer-to-business transfers of innovation. The invention allows originators of ideas to communicate nondisclosing synopses of ideas directly or globally to potential users, for users conveniently to search for relevant ideas and for users potentially to bind an originator to a license granting the user the right to access and consider confidentially the originator's fully disclosed idea. The invention also allows users to communicate confidentially or nonconfidentially unsolved problems or needs globally to potential originators, for originators conveniently to search for relevant unsolved problems or needs and for originators to submit and communicate confidentially proposed solutions to the soliciting user.

0073By creating an Internet-based marketplace for ideas and confidential information, the present invention will allow companies of all sizes and in all industries to identify and directly access internally and externally generated innovation in a manner that (i) enables consideration of only relevant innovation, (ii) yields greater return on investment, and (iii) reduces search and transfer transaction costs

0074The present invention recognizes and embraces the power of the Internet and will allow for the implementation of a unique business model to manage effectively and efficiently a marketplace for raw ideas—in short, to manage innovation. The present invention's web-enabled innovation transfer management protocol will allow novice and expert innovators alike to present confidentially or nonconfidentially their ideas, innovations and inventions directly or globally to individuals and companies capable of implementing the innovation and possessing the resources needed to exploit the opportunity. By creating an Internet-based marketplace for ideas and confidential information, the present invention will allow companies of all sizes and in all industries to identify and directly access internally and externally generated innovation in a manner that (i) enables consideration of only relevant innovation, (ii) yields greater return on investment, and (iii) reduces search and transfer transaction costs.

0075It has been said that ideas are to the Information Age what iron ore and other raw materials were to the Industrial Age—only you can't put a fence around ideas. Well, now you can. The present invention offers innovators the fence needed to protect their raw ideas.

0076The present invention allows what no previous commercial system has ever achieved—instantaneous access to the collective innovation of the global community. While the present invention allows for seamless, business-to-business and consumer-to-business transfers of fully developed innovation, the truly amazing and far-reaching component of the innovation transfer management protocol is that by lowering transaction costs associated with innovation transfer transactions, the system will enable even the smallest seed of innovative effort to be directed to a relevant user. Individuals and businesses that do not currently have incentive to incur the expense of gaining access to users of their innovation (i.e., cost of gaining access is too high and likelihood of success is too low), will now have the opportunity to present the innovation to potential users by incurring only nominal expense. Individuals and consumers will use the system to post and pitch ideas, inventions, product improvements, advertising slogans, sitcom episode treatments, movie concepts and treatments, toy design concepts, book ideas and manuscripts, game concepts, etc. Small to medium-sized businesses will use the system to post and pitch unimplemented innovation (i.e., opportunities they are unable to pursue but that have value for another user), to gain access to innovation and also to post descriptions of unmet needs and unsolved problems (Request for Proposal—“RFP”) as a low-cost alternative to management and advertising consulting. Larger businesses will use the system to post and pitch unimplemented innovation, to gain access to new innovation, to reduce reliance on internal research and development, to post RFPs and to establish internal and external innovation transfer tools.

0077Undeveloped ideas are generally not protectible under Patent, Copyright or Trademark law. Undeveloped ideas are not patentable because they have yet to be reduced to practice, and ideas, whether developed or undeveloped, are not legally copyrightable or trademarkable. Copyright protection is directed towards the expression of the idea and not the idea itself. Trademark protection simply allows the owner of a mark used to identify the owner's goods or services to prevent others from using the same or confusingly similar mark to identify the source of similar goods or services. While ideas are generally protected under Trade Secret Law, the ideas lose protectibility upon disclosure, unless disclosed for limited purposes and to a limited number of persons and only if subject to a confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement. Furthermore, trade secret protection will not be available once the idea is brought to market or otherwise placed within the public domain. In general, a trade secret is anything and everything useful or advantageous in business activity but not generally known or easily ascertainable by others in the trade. Therefore, undisclosed, novel ideas not otherwise within the public domain are protectible under Trade Secret Law. Ideas within the public domain are never capable of protection under Trade Secret Law.

0078Developed ideas (e.g., reduced to practice) may not be patentable if they are not novel and/or are obvious extensions of the prior art. Nonnovel and obvious developed ideas may still be protectible under Trade Secret Law (provided they are not within the public domain), but such protection is necessarily subject to the same limitations as is protection for undeveloped ideas. Namely, once disclosed, such ideas often lose their protection.

0079Limited protection is available, however, for all ideas (whether in the public domain, disclosed or undisclosed) under a developing area of law commonly referred to as the Law of Undeveloped Ideas. Such protection is limited because the protection is applicable only as between contracting parties. This body of law enforces contractual obligations to pay the originator of a creative idea for its use. He who takes the benefit must take the burden. The benefit in the case of idea disclosure is access to the originator's ideas; the burden is that if the user decides to implement the originator's idea, the user must pay for such use.

0080The Law of Undeveloped Ideas is somewhat of a misnomer, as the legal principles are applicable to developed and undeveloped ideas. The Law of Undeveloped Ideas is a miscellaneous accumulation of state common-law decisions addressing a claimed right to compensation for a defendant's unauthorized use of the plaintiff's idea. California, in part due to the prevalence of the entertainment industry, is leading the development of the principles under the Law of Undeveloped Ideas.

0081It is common practice in the motion picture, radio, television and other industries for originators to conceive and submit ideas for sale before developing a concrete literary composition or reducing the invention to practice. For example, it is customary for screenwriters or other creators to submit stories, central themes, treatments and dramatic cores to producers and studios with the accepted understanding that such submissions are for a limited and confidential purpose and that use will not be made thereof unless there is appropriate payment by the producer or studio.

0082Another common example is evident in the toy industry. It is common practice in the toy industry for toy developers to “pitch” their ideas and concepts to toy marketing companies prior to reduction to practice. If the toy company likes the idea and anticipates commercial application, it will pay an advance to the developer either (i) to secure immediately the exclusive marketing rights to products embodying the concept or idea, or (ii) to option the concept or idea and provide funds to the originator to develop a “proof of concept” or prototype. The scope of the idea is intentionally broad to cover all variations and derivative products resulting from or inspired by the original idea. The toy company is paying the originator for the first opportunity to bring the idea to market and obtain exclusive marketing rights to the initial product and derivatives thereof. In exchange for this “first mover” opportunity, the toy company agrees to pay a royalty on all products sold deriving from the original idea.

0083Under California law, an originator can prevail in an action to recover compensation for use of an idea if (i) before or after disclosure the originator has obtained from the user an express promise to pay for use of the idea, or (ii) the circumstances preceding and attending the disclosure of the idea indicate an implied promise whereby the originator has clearly conditioned his offer to disclose the idea upon an obligation to pay for it if it is used by the user, and the user, knowing the condition before the idea is disclosed by the originator, voluntarily accepts and uses the idea.

0084Under California law, there is no requirement that the idea be “novel” or “reduced to a concrete form.” Even though an idea may be common or open to public knowledge, its disclosure is sufficient consideration for the promise to pay for its use upon disclosure. The concepts of “novelty” and “concreteness” speak to the value of the idea and not its protectibility under contract law. A proven idea is necessarily more valuable than an unproven idea; however, the disclosure of either can be consideration for a contract to pay for its use. The Law of Undeveloped Ideas seeks to protect originators who, in attempting to market, exploit or sell their ideas, must disclose them to potential users. It encourages the development and exploitation of those items of lesser or different invention than might be accorded protection under the patent laws, but which items still have an important part to play in the technological, artistic and scientific advancement of the human race. Essentially, Trade Secret Law and the Law of Undeveloped Ideas promote the sharing of knowledge and innovation, and the efficient operation of industry; these laws permit the originator to reap the rewards of his/her/its labor by contracting with a company possessing the necessary resources to develop and exploit it. While trade secret protection is generally lost upon nonconfidential disclosure, the Law of Undeveloped Ideas will enforce contractual obligations between an originator and a user even after the idea is made known to the public at large. This is because the user was given a particular competitive advantage in being the first to consider and exploit the originator's idea.

0085Individuals and companies frequently stumble upon ideas, innovations and business opportunities that have a positive net present value; the problem is that these individuals and companies lack adequate resources and/or core competencies to exploit the opportunities. The opportunity may be in an industry segment with which the individual or business is not familiar, or the originator may lack adequate capital, business experience, entrepreneurial ambition or market position to successfully develop, implement and exploit the idea, concept or innovation. In addition, larger firms often pass on positive net present value innovations for a myriad of reasons, including (i) development is outside the company's core competencies; (ii) development and implementation of a new concept does not fit with the company's strategic plan; (iii) inadequate current resources; (iv) higher priority opportunities; and (v) lack of leadership and passion. Thus, the originator frequently tries to interest larger or better-positioned companies in developing and exploiting his or her ideas in an arrangement that enables all parties to share equitably in any successes attributable to the idea. Contact and communication between an originator and a user, however, is costly and may raise potential problems and significant legal risks for each party.

0086For example, (i) an employee may disclose an inventive idea for a new product to his employer, who then begins to manufacture and sell the new product but refuses to pay the employee for the idea; (ii) an individual may submit an advertising slogan or campaign concept to a retail store or manufacturer, expecting compensation upon use, but receives nothing; (iii) a writer presents a plan for a television series or a plot summary for an episode of a current sitcom to a television producer who turns it down but then incorporates the idea in a later series without paying the originator; or (iv) an applicant for employment with a company in the course of interviewing, discloses a new business method, and later finds out that the company has implemented the new method, but the company refuses to hire the applicant/originator or pay for the information.

0087Companies of all sizes and in all industries face the same problem-how to access effectively and efficiently externally and internally generated innovation without unmanageable exposure to potential liability. Current processes for idea and innovation submission, if available at all, are cumbersome, costly to administer and unpredictable. Furthermore, because current idea submission protocols impose nonconfidential submission criteria and ineffective enforcement mechanisms, innovators lack adequate compensatory incentives to submit valuable ideas to relevant users. Companies face the problem of identifying users of their products or services who may have valuable suggestions regarding improvements, new products or services, more efficient distribution or sales methods, etc. Current methods include consumer focus groups, consumer surveys, consumer response cards and other costly and ineffective processes. Even if a company is able to identify innovative consumers, they lack an effective means of encouraging disclosure of the innovation and managing the transfer of the innovation.

0088There are many different innovation transfer protocols in use today, whether implemented via the Internet (bulletin boards, subscriber communities, e-mail, etc.) or via more traditional media (in-person pitch, agent representation, paper submission, telephonic disclosure, etc.). Generally, existing innovation transfer protocols require an idea originator to bear the transaction costs of identifying and accessing potential users. Originators often develop a potentially valuable invention or idea that could be the seed of a Valuable business opportunity, product, advertising slogan, motion picture, television series, service, etc. The originator would like to be compensated for any use of the idea. Although the originator may have inchoate intellectual property rights (e.g., patent, copyright, trade secret or other statutory property rights), the originator may wish to interest others in the idea to help exploit the opportunity. The originator may attempt to contact one or more companies or individuals that the originator believes may be interested in the originator's idea, often choosing a recognized leader in the field of the idea.

0089In addition to overcoming the initial barrier of identifying and accessing potential users, originators are faced with the problem of trying to disclose the idea to potential users without losing their trade secret and other rights or having the idea misappropriated by a user to whom the originator has disclosed the idea. Once an originator identifies a potential user of the idea, the originator must contact the potential user to determine if the user accepts unsolicited ideas. Many users refuse to accept unsolicited ideas for fear of later claims of misappropriation. Those that do accept unsolicited idea submissions generally impose a nonconfidential disclosure requirement that significantly decreases the originator's ability to enforce any payment obligation on the user.

0090Currently, originators cannot effectively disclose or submit ideas to users either because they lack adequate resources to identify potential users or sophistication and experience to “pitch” the idea to potential users, or they lack effective access to the user or to a submission process. In addition, many companies refuse to accept unsolicited ideas or honor confidential disclosures. The only current alternatives are to (i) submit the idea nonconfidentially to a potential user and hope for some compensation or (ii) do nothing and let the idea remain undisclosed and the innovation unrealized. Even seasoned originators (e.g., established writers and inventors) face significant transaction costs inherent in searching for and communicating with potential users, often settling for submission to fewer users than desired.

0091Thus, as one skilled in the art will recognize, there is and has been a long-felt need for a centralized originator- and user-driven system for bilateral electronic commerce in ideas and electronic idea submission capable of being utilized by novice and expert originators alike to communicate confidentially their ideas globally to potential users which addresses the deficiencies in the prior art. The present invention addresses the deficiencies in the prior art and enables a robust marketplace for confidential information and innovation.

0092The term “FDI” is used herein to mean, without limitation, an originator's fully disclosed idea.

0093The term “idea” or “ideas” is used herein to mean, without limitation, a potentially valuable invention, concept, idea, innovation, epiphany, thought, slogan, development, accident, creation, solution, discovery, suggestion, or any other act of cognition or imagination, whether generally known or novel and nonobvious, whose application has a positive net present value to, or is capable of use by or is potentially useful to some identifiable user.

0094The term “NDS(FDI)” is used herein to mean, without limitation, a nondisclosing synopsis of an originator's fully disclosed idea.

0095The term “NDS(RFP)” is used herein to mean, without limitation, a nondisclosing synopsis of a user's fully disclosed RFP.

0096The term “originator” is used herein to mean, without limitation, an individual or entity that originates an idea or a solution to an unmet need or unsolved problem.

0097The term “preemptive right” is used herein to mean, without limitation, a right of first refusal, right of first opportunity or any other legally enforceable preemptive right.

0098The term “RFP” is used herein to mean, without limitation, a request for proposal comprising a fully disclosed unmet need or unsolved problem.

0099The term “user” is used herein to mean, without limitation, an individual or entity capable of implementing an idea or in search of an idea, including an individual or entity with an unmet need or unsolved problem.

0100The method and apparatus of an originator-driven embodiment of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1</figref><i>a</i>, <b>2</b>, <b>3</b>, and <b>4</b>. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a central controller <b>200</b>, user interface <b>300</b>, originator interface <b>400</b>, and associated databases. The present invention receives FDIs <b>130</b><i>a </i>from originators, facilitates the creation by the originator of a nondisclosing synopsis of the FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>, or an NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a</i>, makes the NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>available for viewing by potential users, and allows users conveniently to search for relevant ideas and for users potentially to bind an originator to a license granting the user the right to access and consider the originator's fully disclosed idea. The use of a license ensures that the originator's FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>is disclosed confidentially to potential users thereby protecting the originator from misappropriation. The license agreement may consist of a license agreement generated by the system, or the submitting originator may submit the originator's FDI subject to a license or nondisclosure agreement developed by the submitting originator. The user may then pass on the idea or initiate an offer to obtain a license, option, preemptive right, or assignment of the FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>. The system utilizes current chat and voice telephony technology and payment protocols to facilitate the negotiation of the terms of an FDI transfer agreement and the transfer of the FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>, or the grant of the right to use the FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>, to the user.

0101The method and apparatus of a user-driven embodiment of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1</figref><i>b</i>, <b>2</b>, <b>3</b>, and <b>4</b>. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a central controller <b>200</b>, user interface <b>300</b>, originator interface <b>400</b>, and associated databases. The present invention receives RFPs <b>130</b><i>b </i>from users, facilitates the creation by the originator of a nondisclosing synopsis of the RFP <b>130</b><i>b</i>, or an NDS(RFP) <b>100</b><i>b</i>, makes the NDS(RFP) <b>100</b><i>b </i>available for viewing by potential originators, and allows originators conveniently to search for relevant RFPs <b>130</b><i>b </i>and for originators potentially to bind a user to a license granting the originator the exclusive right to access and consider the user's fully disclosed RFP <b>130</b><i>b</i>. The use of a license ensures that the user's RFP <b>130</b><i>b </i>is confidentially disclosed to potential originators thereby protecting the user from unwanted publication or disclosure. The license agreement may consist of a standardized, industry-specific license agreement generated by the system, or the submitting user may submit the user's RFP subject to a license or nondisclosure agreement developed by the soliciting user. The originator may then pass on the RFP <b>130</b><i>a </i>or submit a proposed solution to the soliciting user's RFP <b>130</b><i>b</i>, which proposed solution itself comprises an FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>and may be submitted to the soliciting user in the same manner as described for the originator-driven embodiment.

0102System Architecture

0103The system architecture of the first embodiment of the method and apparatus of the present invention is illustrated with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1</figref><i>a </i>through <b>4</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref><i>a</i>, the apparatus consists of three “nodes” comprising the user interface <b>300</b>, originator interface <b>400</b>, and central controller <b>200</b>. Each node is connected via an Internet connection using any one of many available means of network communication. User interface <b>300</b> and originator interface <b>400</b> are input and output means for communications with central controller <b>200</b>.

0104Using the above components, the present invention provides (i) a method and apparatus to post nondisclosing synopses of ideas (i.e., NDS(FDI)s <b>100</b><i>a</i>), make them available to potential users, and allow users to bind the originators to a limited duration license allowing user access to the fully disclosed idea (i.e., FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>); and (ii) a method and apparatus to post nondisclosing synopses of requests for proposals (i.e., NDS(RFP)s <b>100</b><i>b</i>), make them available to potential originators, and allow originators to bind the user to a license allowing originator access to the fully disclosed RFP <b>130</b><i>b. </i>

0105As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. Central controller <b>200</b> includes central processor (“CPU”) <b>205</b>, cryptographic processor <b>210</b>, RAM <b>215</b>, ROM <b>220</b>, payment processor <b>230</b>, clock <b>235</b>, operating system <b>240</b>, network interface <b>245</b>, and data storage device <b>250</b>.

0106A personal computer or computer workstation with sufficient memory and processing capability may be used as central controller <b>200</b>. In one embodiment it operates a web server, (i) receiving FDIs <b>130</b><i>a </i>and transmitting NDS(FDI)s <b>100</b><i>a </i>generated by originators; and (ii) receiving fully disclosed RFPs <b>130</b><i>b </i>and transmitting NDS(RFP)s <b>100</b><i>b </i>generated by users. Central controller <b>200</b> is capable of high volume transaction processing, performing a significant number of mathematical calculations in processing communications and database searches. A microprocessor such as the Pentium II, commonly manufactured by Intel, Inc., may be used for CPU <b>205</b>. Equivalent processors are commonly available.

0107A microcontroller, commonly manufactured by Motorola, may be used for cryptographic processor <b>210</b>. Equivalent processors may also be used. This microcontroller performs 128-bit SSL encryption and RSA private key operation. Cryptographic processor <b>210</b> may also be configured as part of CPU <b>205</b>. Other specialized cryptographic processors are commonly known and commercially available.

0108Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, payment processor <b>230</b> comprises one or more conventional microprocessors, supporting the transfer and exchange of payments, charges, or debits, attendant to the method of the apparatus. Payment processor <b>230</b> may also be configured as part of CPU <b>205</b> or other device external to the system described herein. Processing of credit card, digital cash or other payment means transactions by payment processor <b>230</b> may be supported with commonly known and commercially available software. The server software transmits credit card or other account information electronically over the Internet to servers external to the system described herein where account verification and processing is handled.

0109Data storage device <b>250</b> may include hard disk magnetic or optical storage units, as well as CD-ROM drives or flash memory. Data storage device <b>250</b> contains databases used in the processing of transactions in the present invention, including FDI transfer agreement database <b>251</b>, submission agreement database <b>252</b>, RFP database <b>253</b>, originator response database <b>254</b>, originator account <b>255</b>, NDS(RFP) database <b>256</b>, originator database <b>257</b>, originator response database <b>258</b>, user database <b>259</b>, NDS(FDI) database <b>260</b>, FDI database <b>261</b>, user response database <b>262</b>, license confirmation database <b>263</b>, license detail database <b>264</b>, payment database <b>265</b>, cryptographic key database <b>266</b>, audit database <b>267</b>, user account database <b>268</b>, and escrow account database <b>269</b>. In one embodiment database software manufactured by Oracle Corporation is used to create and manage these databases. Other equivalent database software programs are commonly known and commercially available.

0110Originator database <b>257</b> maintains data on originators with input fields such as name, contact information, type of originator, address, deposit, cash or credit account number, telephone number, identification number, taxpayer identification number, electronic mail address, credit history, past system usage and history, status and qualifications, public/private key information, etc. This information is obtained when an originator first submits an idea and registers with the system, and thereafter as the originator generates a unique transactional history by using the system for subsequent postings. Originator database <b>257</b> also contains the tracking number of each FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>and NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>submitted by the originator, and the tracking number of each user response and each FDI transfer agreement proposed by the user.

0111User database <b>259</b> maintains data on users with input fields such as name, contact information, type of user, address, deposit, cash or credit account number, telephone number, identification number, taxpayer identification number, electronic mail address, credit history, past system usage and history, status and qualifications, public/private key information, etc.

0112FDI database <b>261</b> tracks and stores all FDIs <b>130</b><i>a </i>with fields such as tracking number, originator identification number, date, time, subject, industry category, intended user category, expiration date, conditions, etc. This database is valuable in the event of disputes between originators and users regarding access to FDIs <b>130</b><i>a </i>and independent creation of FDIs <b>130</b><i>a</i>, because details of the license and access history can be produced.

0113NDS(FDI) database <b>260</b> tracks and stores all NDS(FDI)s <b>100</b><i>a </i>with fields identical to FDI database <b>261</b>. The structure of this database is identical to FDI database <b>261</b>.

0114FDI transfer agreement database <b>251</b> tracks and stores all proposed and executed FDI transfer agreements <b>1850</b><i>a. </i>

0115RFP database <b>253</b> tracks and stores all RFPs <b>130</b><i>b</i>. The structure of this database is identical to FDI database <b>261</b>.

0116NDS(RFP) database <b>256</b> tracks and stores all NDS(RFP)s <b>100</b><i>b </i>with fields identical to RFP database <b>253</b>. The structure of this database is identical to RFP database <b>253</b>.

0117User response database <b>262</b> tracks and stores all user responses <b>110</b><i>a </i>with input fields such as user name, user identification number, date, time, user response tracking number, and associated FDI and NDS(FDI) tracking numbers.

0118Originator response database <b>254</b> or <b>258</b> tracks and stores all originator responses <b>110</b><i>b </i>with input fields such as originator name, originator identification number, date, time, originator response tracking number, and associated RFP and NDS(RFP) tracking numbers.

0119License confirmation database <b>263</b> tracks and stores messages sent to originator and user confirming completed, binding license transactions with input fields including originator name, originator identification number, user name, user identification number, license confirmation tracking number, and associated FDI and NDS(FDI) tracking number.

0120License detail database <b>264</b> contains standardized, industry-specific limited duration licenses providing language binding user to confidentiality and/or other obligations for acceptance by user prior to obtaining access to an FDI <b>130</b><i>a. </i>

0121Submission agreement database <b>252</b> contains standardized, industry-specific submission agreements providing idea submission criteria for acceptance by originator prior to submitting an FDI <b>130</b><i>a. </i>

0122Payment database <b>265</b> tracks all payments made by users with input fields such as user name, user identification number, amount of payment, and associated FDI and NDS(FDI) tracking numbers. This database may also store deposit, cash or credit account information of users.

0123Cryptographic key database <b>266</b> facilitates cryptographic functions, storing symmetric and asymmetric keys. These keys are used by cryptographic processor <b>210</b> for encrypting and decrypting NDS(FDI)s <b>100</b><i>a</i>, NDS(RFP)s <b>100</b><i>b</i>, RFPs <b>130</b><i>b</i>, and FDIs <b>130</b><i>a</i>, user responses <b>110</b><i>a</i>, license confirmations <b>120</b><i>a</i>, FDI transfer agreements and originator responses <b>110</b><i>b. </i>

0124Audit database <b>267</b> tracks and stores transactional information related to posting of NDS(FDI)s <b>100</b><i>a </i>and NDS(RFP)s <b>100</b><i>b </i>accessing of FDIs <b>130</b><i>a </i>and RFPs <b>130</b><i>b </i>allowing it to be retrieved for subsequent analysis.

0125User account <b>268</b> tracks and stores all information pertaining to the user's account with input fields such as user's name, deposit, cash or credit account numbers, and debit or credit transactions.

0126Originator account <b>255</b> tracks and stores all information pertaining to the originator's account with input fields such as user's name, deposit, cash or credit account numbers, and debit or credit transactions. User payments for FDIs <b>100</b><i>a </i>may be sent to this account.

0127Escrow account <b>269</b> is an account that temporarily holds user funds before they are placed in originator account <b>255</b>.

0128Network interface <b>245</b> is the gateway to communicate with originators and users through respective originator interface <b>400</b> and user interface <b>300</b>. Conventional internal or external modems may serve as network interface <b>245</b>. In one embodiment, network interface <b>245</b> is connected with the Internet and/or any of the commercial on-line service providers allowing originators and users access from a wide range of on-line connections. Several commercially available electronic mail servers include the above functionality and are designed to link people and information over enterprise networks and the Internet. The system is platform independent and utilizes open standards based on Internet protocols. Users and originators can exchange messages with enclosures such as files, graphics, video and audio. The system supports multiple languages. Alternatively, the network interface <b>245</b> may be configured as a voice mail interface, voice telephony interface, web site, bulletin board service or electronic mail address.

0129Those skilled in the art will realize that the functionality of the present invention can be distributed over a plurality of computers utilizing an unlimited number of controllers and interface devices to yield a more dynamic, robust and flexible system.

0130<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref> describe user interface <b>300</b> and originator interface <b>400</b>, respectively. Both interfaces may comprise conventional personal computers having an input device, such as keyboard, mouse or conventional voice recognition capabilities; a display device, such as a video monitor; a processing device such as a CPU; and a network interface such as a modem. These devices interface with central controller <b>200</b>. Alternatively, user interface <b>300</b> and originator interface <b>400</b> may also be a personal digital assistant such as those manufactured by Palm and Handspring, voice mail systems, or other electronic or voice communications systems.

0131Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, user interface <b>300</b>, includes central processor (CPU) <b>305</b>, RAM <b>315</b>, ROM <b>320</b>, clock <b>335</b>, video driver <b>325</b>, video monitor <b>330</b>, communication port <b>340</b>, input device <b>345</b>, modem <b>350</b>, and data storage device <b>360</b>. Cryptographic processor <b>335</b> and biometric device <b>355</b> may be added for stronger authentication. A conventional microprocessor, such as those manufactured by Intel and AMD, may be used for CPU <b>305</b>. Clock <b>335</b> is a conventional chip-based clock used to timestamp various transmissions and communications. Modem <b>350</b> is a conventional dial-up modem, cellular modem, cable modem, or DSL modem. Data storage device <b>360</b> is a conventional magnetic hard disk storage unit.

0132Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, user interface <b>400</b>, includes central processor (CPU) <b>405</b>, RAM <b>415</b>, ROM <b>420</b>, clock <b>435</b>, video driver <b>425</b>, video monitor <b>430</b>, communication port <b>440</b>, input device <b>445</b>, modem <b>450</b>, and data storage device <b>460</b>. Cryptographic processor <b>435</b> and biometric device <b>455</b> may be added for stronger authentication. A conventional microprocessor, such as those manufactured by Intel and AMD, may be used for CPU <b>405</b>. Clock <b>435</b> is a conventional chip-based clock used to timestamp various transactions and communications. Modem <b>450</b> is a conventional dial-up modem, cellular modem, cable modem, or DSL modem. Data storage device <b>460</b> is a conventional magnetic hard disk storage unit.

0133Commercial software applications such as e-mail applications manufactured by Qualcomm and Microsoft may be used to enable communications required by user interface <b>300</b> and originator interface <b>400</b>. Additionally, web browser software manufactured by Netscape and Microsoft may be used when central controller <b>200</b> is configured as a web server. No proprietary software is required.

0134On-Line Embodiment

0135In one originator-driven embodiment of the present invention, communication between originators and users occurs via the Internet or other electronic network, with central controller <b>200</b> acting as a web server. The originator logs on to the central controller <b>200</b>, submits an FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>and creates an NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a</i>, agrees to terms of the relevant on-line submission agreement, and then disconnects from the network. NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>is made available to potential users by posting NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>on the web page of central controller <b>200</b>. Periodic maintenance is performed by central controller <b>200</b> to ensure that active NDS(FDI)s <b>100</b><i>a </i>have not been licensed or expired. If a user decides to access the corresponding FDI, user response <b>10</b><i>a </i>is transmitted <b>30</b> electronically to central controller <b>200</b>, which contacts originator that the FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>has been licensed. With reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref><i>a</i>, there is described the process by which an originator submits FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>and creates corresponding NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a</i>. At step <b>500</b><i>a </i>the originator logs on to central controller <b>200</b> using originator modem <b>450</b> of originator interface <b>400</b>, establishing a communication link. In one embodiment, central controller <b>200</b> has a page on the World Wide Web, allowing originator to provide information or attach electronic files (containing text, audio, video or other media) through the interface of conventional web browser software such as Netscape Navigator, manufactured by Netscape, Inc., or Microsoft Explorer, manufactured by Microsoft Corporation. At step <b>510</b><i>a</i>, originator selects the relevant category of the FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>by selecting from a list of possible categories. As shown in box <b>515</b><i>a</i>, categories might include motion picture, book manuscript, musical composition, electronic game, etc. At step <b>520</b><i>a</i>, originator selects one or more, if any, intended users of the FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>by selecting from a list of possible users or by manually inputting an intended user not identified on the list. As shown in box <b>525</b><i>a</i>, intended users will be grouped according to industry sector and might include motion picture studios, publishers, recording companies, electronic game producers, etc. After the category and/or intended user is selected, an electronic submission means is displayed on video monitor <b>430</b> of originator interface <b>400</b>. This electronic submission means allows originator manually to input text comprising the FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>or to attach an electronic file comprising the FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>, for the purpose of submitting the FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>to central controller <b>200</b>.

0136At step <b>530</b><i>a</i>, originator enters the FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>in the manner described above. A screenwriter, for example, might enter text or a text file comprising an original screenplay, which constitutes the originator's FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>; or a musician might enter an audio file comprising an audible recording of an original musical composition, which constitutes originator's FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>. At step <b>540</b><i>a</i>, originator creates and enters, in the same manner as for the FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>, the corresponding NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a</i>. As shown in box <b>545</b><i>a</i>, the NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>constitutes a brief, nondisclosing summary of the FDI <b>130</b><i>a. </i>

0137At step <b>550</b><i>a</i>, originator adds unique terms, if any, with respect to the accessing, licensing, purchasing, etc., of the FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>. As shown in box <b>555</b><i>a</i>, the originator may specify that an FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>is available for assignment only, for a nonexclusive license only, etc. Originator's unique terms may also include an expiration date or may restrict access to the FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>to one potential user at a time, if desired. At step <b>560</b><i>a</i>, originator adds a reserve or minimum price, if desired. At step <b>570</b><i>a</i>, originator adds a name or unique ID number to the corresponding FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>. The ID number is received from the central controller <b>200</b> when the originator registers for the service, or is chosen by the originator and then registered with the central controller <b>200</b>. Box <b>575</b><i>a </i>shows that the originator must agree to the terms of an on-line submission agreement, if any, in order to post his/her/its FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>and/or NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a</i>. Central controller <b>200</b> maintains a database of originator ID numbers in originator database <b>257</b>, and issues or allows only unique numbers.

0138Once the above elements have been created, the originator transmits them to central controller <b>200</b> at step <b>580</b><i>a </i>by clicking on the “send” button located on the screen in which the data is entered.

0139Instead of a World Wide Web-based interface, originators may also transmit FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>and NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>data via electronic mail, voice mail, facsimile or postal mail transmissions.

0140<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref><i>b </i>illustrates the user-driven process by which a user submits RFP <b>130</b><i>b </i>and creates a corresponding NDS(RFP) <b>100</b><i>b</i>. The process is the same as that described above for the originator-driven system illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref><i>a. </i>

0141Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref><i>a</i>, NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>is received by central controller <b>200</b> at step <b>600</b><i>a </i>and, at step <b>610</b><i>a</i>, central controller <b>200</b> communicates terms of the submission agreement to originator. At step <b>620</b><i>a</i>, originator communicates acceptance of the terms of the submission agreement and NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>is accepted by central controller <b>200</b> at step <b>640</b><i>a </i>and made available to potential users at step <b>650</b><i>a</i>. If originator does not communicate acceptance of the terms of the submission agreement, central controller <b>200</b> denies acceptance of NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>at step <b>630</b><i>a </i>and communicates such denial to originator. In an alternative embodiment, originator is required to pay a submission fee after agreeing to terms of the submission agreement. The payment can be made on-line by credit card using standard SSL encryption and commercially available payment transaction methods, such as provided by CyberSource and CommerceOne.

0142<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref><i>b </i>illustrates the corresponding user-driven process for submitting RFPs <b>130</b><i>b</i>. The process proceeds in the same manner described above for the originator-driven embodiment.

0143Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref><i>a</i>, there is illustrated an embodiment in which NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>and FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>are activated and made available to potential users. At step <b>705</b><i>a</i>, a unique tracking number is added to NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a</i>. At step <b>740</b><i>a</i>, a unique tracking number is assigned to FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>. Central controller <b>200</b> timestamps NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>at step <b>710</b><i>a </i>and FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>at step <b>745</b><i>a</i>, and then stores NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>in NDS(FDI) database <b>260</b> and FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>in FDI database <b>261</b>. The NDS(FDI) database <b>260</b> and FDI database <b>261</b> contain a record for each NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>and FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>, respectively, which include fields such as category of FDI, status, originator's contact information, reserve price, expiration date, date received, unique terms, originator ID number, etc. The status field has values of “active,” “expired” or “licensed.” A status of active means the FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>is available to potential users and may be licensed. A status of expired means that FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>can no longer be accessed or licensed by potential users. A status of “licensed” means the FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>is currently being accessed by a potential user and the corresponding originator has elected to restrict access to one user at a time.

0144At step <b>725</b><i>a</i>, central controller <b>200</b> adds any unique terms designated by originator. At step <b>725</b><i>a</i>, central controller <b>200</b> adds a reserve price, if any. At step <b>730</b><i>a </i>and <b>755</b><i>a</i>, central controller <b>200</b> adds originator ID number to NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>and FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>, respectively.

0145After being stored at step <b>715</b><i>a </i>and <b>750</b><i>a</i>, NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>and FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>, respectively, may go through a series of processing steps. Alternatively, these processing steps may be performed by central controller <b>200</b> at steps <b>735</b><i>a </i>and <b>760</b><i>a</i>, respectively. If necessary, central controller <b>200</b> may perform a language translation step using commercially available translation software. Central controller <b>200</b> may also perform a spelling check and grammar check using commercially available software. The NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>and FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>may also be processed for clarity or completeness and the system may communicate suggestions to the submitting originator on how to improve the clarity and completeness of the corresponding NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>or FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>. For instance, if the FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>is a movie script in the horror genre, the central controller <b>200</b>, after performing the processing steps outlined above, may communicate to the submitting originator that the screenplay is missing key information or that “horror” films are not particularly marketable at the present time.

0146In one embodiment, central controller <b>200</b> extracts the category of the FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>, which category may include industry sector (toys, video games, software, network communications, etc.) or segment of FDI (e.g., script, business plan, musical composition, etc.), and posts the FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>in the appropriate category area on a website. This would allow central controller <b>200</b> to display NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>of the corresponding FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>only to the most relevant and appropriate users. In a World Wide Web environment, central controller <b>200</b> has a web page for each possible category and/or combination of categories. Thus, each user looking for screenplays (e.g., Hollywood agents or studio executives) would be able to view on the screenplay web page all NDS(FDI)s <b>100</b><i>a </i>corresponding to screenplay submissions. Or a potential user looking for particular business plans (e.g., venture capitalist) would be able to view all NDS(FDI)s <b>100</b><i>a </i>corresponding to business plans or could view a narrower subset by viewing all NDS(FDI)s <b>100</b><i>a </i>corresponding to business plans for companies involved in wireless applications software. Alternatively, a potential user may communicate specific criteria to central controller <b>200</b>, and central controller <b>200</b> will electronically mail all NDS(FDI)s <b>100</b><i>a </i>meeting the user's predetermined criteria or will electronically mail a URL link to a web page containing all NDS(FDI)s <b>100</b><i>a </i>meeting a user's predetermined criteria. For example, a particular venture capitalist may wish to be notified of all NDS(FDI)s <b>100</b><i>a </i>constituting business plans for software companies.

0147In an embodiment in which NDS(FDI)s <b>100</b><i>a </i>are being transmitted to the user, user interface may comprise a computer with a modem, a cellular telephone, a fax machine, a PDA with wireless modem, or beepers and pagers. For example, a venture capitalist could instruct central controller <b>200</b> to beep him or her whenever NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>comprising a business plan for a company developing wireless applications is received by central controller <b>200</b>. Details of the particular business opportunity could be transmitted to user's beeper LCD screen or to user's PDA, or user may be instructed to log on to central controller <b>200</b> to receive further details.

0148<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref><i>b </i>illustrates the corresponding user-driven embodiment whereby NDS(RFP) <b>100</b><i>b </i>and RFP <b>130</b><i>b </i>are activated and made available to potential originators. The process is the same as that described above for the originator-driven system.

0149Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref><i>a</i>, there is illustrated a procedure for the maintenance of NDS(FDI)s <b>100</b><i>a</i>. At step <b>800</b><i>a</i>, central controller <b>200</b> searches NDS(FDI) database <b>260</b>. At step <b>810</b><i>a</i>, the status field of each NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>and corresponding FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>is reviewed and analyzed. If the corresponding FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>has expired, status of corresponding NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>is changed to “expired” at step <b>820</b><i>a</i>. If the corresponding FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>is currently licensed, status of corresponding NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>is changed to “licensed” at step <b>820</b><i>a</i>. The process is complete at step <b>830</b><i>a </i>when all “active” NDS(FDI)s <b>100</b><i>a </i>database records have been examined.

0150<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref><i>b </i>illustrates the corresponding user-driven embodiment for maintenance of NDS(RFP)s <b>100</b><i>b</i>. The process is the same as that described above for the originator-driven system.

0151<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref><i>a </i>illustrates the process by which a potential user selects a particular NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>corresponding to an FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>to which the user desires access. At step <b>900</b><i>a</i>, user logs on to central controller <b>200</b> using modem <b>350</b> of user interface <b>300</b>. At step <b>910</b><i>a</i>, the potential user selects an appropriate category. For example, a venture capitalist looking for business plans relating to wireless application development companies may search the wireless application business plan category in hopes of finding an NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>meeting the venture capitalist's development or investment criteria. Alternatively, a commercially available search engine may be used to retrieve from NDS(FDI) database <b>260</b>, all NDS(FDI)s <b>100</b><i>a </i>meeting the venture capitalist's development or investment criteria. At step <b>920</b><i>a</i>, the potential user browses the list of available (i.e., “active”) NDS(FDI)s <b>100</b><i>a </i>in a particular category or combination of categories. Once the potential user identifies a particular NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>which the user feels is relevant, user selects that particular NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>at step <b>930</b><i>a </i>The potential user is then asked by central controller <b>200</b> to agree to the terms of a license agreement at step <b>935</b><i>a</i>. The license agreement may be industry specific and/or standardized, in which case the generic terms are stored in the license detail database <b>264</b>. Originator may make appropriate modifications to the standard terms. In an alternative embodiment, the potential user is allowed to access the corresponding FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>without having to agree to the terms of a license agreement. If the user agrees to the license agreement, the corresponding FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>is transmitted to user at step <b>940</b><i>a</i>. In another embodiment, the NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>may be transmitted directly to the user via electronic mail, facsimile, telephone, pager, etc.

0152<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref><i>b </i>illustrates the user-driven embodiment and the process by which an originator searches for and selects a particular NDS(RFP) <b>100</b><i>b </i>corresponding to an RFP <b>100</b><i>b </i>to which originator desires access in order to conduct further review. The process is the same as that described above for the originator-driven system.

0153<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10</figref><i>a </i>and <b>11</b><i>a </i>illustrate the process by which NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>and the corresponding FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>is licensed by a user. At step <b>1000</b><i>a</i>, the potential user selects a particular NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>for which user would like to access the corresponding FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>. In the on-line embodiment, user's intention to access the corresponding FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>is communicated to central controller <b>200</b> by simply clicking on the desired NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a</i>. This action constitutes user's response <b>110</b><i>a </i>and the user's identity is authenticated at step <b>1030</b><i>a </i>If necessary, timestamp allows central controller <b>200</b> to determine the first user desiring to license the corresponding FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>. This is important if the originator of the FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>has indicated that only one user may have access to the FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>at a time.

0154Authentication of user's identity involves central controller <b>200</b> extracting the user ID from user response <b>110</b><i>a </i>and looking up user's identity in user database <b>259</b>. Information in the user database <b>259</b> may provide verification that user meets conditions imposed by the originator and the necessary contact information to bind user to the license agreement.

0155Central controller <b>200</b> verifies the status of the NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>and corresponding FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>at step <b>1030</b><i>a </i>to ensure the NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>is “active” and available for licensing. If status of NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>is “expired” or “licensed,” user response <b>110</b><i>a </i>is refused and central controller <b>200</b> communicates to user the particular NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>and corresponding FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>is not available for access or licensing at step <b>1050</b><i>a</i>. If status of NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>is “active,” user is asked by central controller <b>200</b> to agree to the terms of the license agreement at step <b>1060</b><i>a</i>. If user does not agree to the license agreement, central controller <b>200</b> communicates to user at step <b>1050</b><i>a </i>that access to the corresponding FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>is denied. If user agrees to the license agreement at step <b>1060</b><i>a</i>, central controller <b>200</b> adds a unique tracking number to user's response <b>110</b><i>a </i>at step <b>1070</b><i>a</i>. Central controller <b>200</b> then stores user response <b>110</b><i>a </i>in user response database <b>262</b> at step <b>1080</b><i>a. </i>

0156In another embodiment, the user transmits user response <b>110</b><i>a </i>directly to originator at step <b>1010</b><i>a</i>. The originator may then send user response <b>110</b><i>a </i>to central controller <b>200</b> for verification and authentication, or originator may choose to accept user response <b>100</b><i>a </i>without verification and authentication.

0157<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref><i>a </i>illustrates the process for confirming that the license agreement has been agreed to by the user. If authorized by originator, information about the identity and qualifications of the originator is transmitted to user at step <b>1100</b><i>a</i>. At step <b>1110</b><i>a</i>, central controller <b>200</b> changes status of the NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>to “licensed” and user ID, the unique tracking number for the NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>and corresponding FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>are added to the license agreement. The complete and binding license agreement is then stored in the license confirmation database <b>263</b>, and the license confirmation is transmitted to user at step <b>1120</b><i>a </i>and to originator at step <b>1130</b><i>a</i>. If the originator has so designated, access to the corresponding FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>by subsequent users will be denied.

0158In another embodiment, the originator may allow multiple users to access an FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>pursuant to a license agreement. In this case, NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>may maintain its status of “active” indefinitely or until a certain number of users have responded. For example, an originator may designate that the FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>(e.g., franchise business opportunity) is available for licensing by up to 5 users in a particular geographic region. Once 5 users have licensed the FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>, the status of the corresponding NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>is changed to “licensed” or “expired.” Another option is to open the FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>to any number of users.

0159<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10</figref><i>b </i>and <b>11</b><i>b </i>describe the process by which NDS(RFP) <b>110</b><i>b </i>and the corresponding RFP <b>130</b><i>b </i>are licensed by an originator in the user-driven embodiment of the present invention. The process is the same as that described above for the originator-driven system.

0160<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref><i>a </i>illustrates the process by which a user communicates user's desire to obtain the right to use the FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>. At step <b>1200</b><i>a</i>, central controller <b>200</b> grants user access to the FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>for user's review and consideration. User examines FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>at step <b>1210</b><i>a </i>to determine the value of the FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>and assess whether or not user desires to obtain rights to use the FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>If user is not interested in obtaining the right to use the FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>, user communicates user's decision to central controller <b>200</b> at step <b>1220</b><i>a </i>The license agreement, pursuant to which user was granted access to the FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>, expires by its own terms and central controller <b>200</b> changes status of NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>from “licensed” to “active” at step <b>1230</b><i>a</i>. FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>is now available for access and licensing by another potential user. Alternatively, if access to the FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>has not been restricted to one user at a time, user's decision not to obtain the right to use the FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>is communicated to central controller <b>200</b> and stored in user response database <b>262</b> or communicated directly to originator at step <b>1230</b><i>a</i>. If user desires to obtain the right to use the FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>, user's decision is communicated to central controller <b>200</b> at step <b>1220</b><i>a</i>, and user is asked to communicate proposed terms of FDI transfer agreement to central controller <b>200</b> at step <b>1240</b><i>a</i>. The FDI transfer agreement may be industry-specific or may contain standardized terms, in which case the generic terms of the FDI transfer agreement are stored in the FDI transfer agreement database <b>251</b>. User may make appropriate modifications to the standard terms. This process is described under the heading FDI Transfer Agreement Embodiment below with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 18</figref><i>a </i>and <b>19</b><i>a</i>. Alternatively, user may communicate terms of FDI transfer agreement directly to originator at step <b>1240</b><i>a. </i>

0161<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref><i>b </i>illustrates the process by which an originator communicates originator's desire to propose a solution to user's RFP <b>130</b><i>b</i>. The process is the same as that described above for the originator-driven system.

0162<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref><i>b </i>describes the process by which an originator creates an FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>comprising a proposed solution to soliciting user's RFP <b>130</b><i>b</i>. At step <b>1800</b><i>b</i>, originator creates the FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>, which, as indicated in box <b>1805</b><i>b</i>, may be an estimate, scope of work, proposal or solution. At step <b>1810</b><i>b</i>, originator logs onto central controller <b>200</b> to submit the FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>, which comprises the proposed solution to the soliciting user's RFP <b>130</b><i>b</i>. Box <b>1805</b><i>b </i>indicates that this process is identical with steps <b>510</b><i>a </i>through <b>580</b><i>a </i>described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref><i>a. </i>

0163FDI Transfer Agreement Embodiment

0164In one embodiment of the present invention, users respond to FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>, whether submitted independently or as a proposed solution to user's RFP <b>130</b><i>b</i>, by proposing the terms of an offer to option, license, purchase or otherwise transfer the right to use the FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>, by submitting an FDI transfer agreement. The FDI transfer agreement is submitted in a similar manner as the NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a</i>, except that FDI transfer agreement is directed to a specified originator, whereas NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>may have been directed to a plurality of users.

0165<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref><i>a </i>depicts the development and submission of an FDI transfer agreement. At step <b>1800</b><i>a</i>, the potential user proposes terms for the FDI transfer agreement. As shown in box <b>1805</b><i>a</i>, potential user may attempt to acquire from originator a license, preemptive right, assignment or other right to use the originator's FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>. At step <b>1810</b><i>a</i>, user prepares FDI transfer agreement with modified terms. At step <b>1820</b><i>a</i>, user attaches the tracking number of the corresponding FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>to FDI transfer agreement. Central controller <b>200</b> receives FDI transfer agreement at step <b>1830</b><i>a</i>, setting the status to “active.” Central controller <b>200</b> then adds a unique tracking number to FDI transfer agreement at step <b>1840</b><i>a</i>, and stores it in the FDI transfer agreement database <b>251</b> at step <b>1850</b><i>a</i>. Central controller <b>200</b> extracts the tracking number of the corresponding FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>attached to FDI transfer agreement in order to find the originator to whom FDI transfer agreement is transmitted at step <b>1860</b><i>a. </i>

0166<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> shows the process by which the originator responds to FDI transfer agreement. At step <b>1900</b> originator decides whether to accept the proposed terms of the FDI transfer agreement. If originator does not accept FDI transfer agreement, it is transmitted back to user at step <b>1910</b>. At this point, originator may proceed with submitting originator's own FDI transfer agreement in the same manner as described above for user. If originator accepts FDI transfer agreement, originator response <b>110</b><i>b </i>is transmitted to central controller <b>200</b> at step <b>1920</b>. At step <b>1930</b>, funds are removed, pursuant to the FDI transfer agreement, from user account <b>268</b> and placed in originator account <b>255</b>. Alternatively, funds are removed from user account <b>268</b> and placed in escrow account <b>269</b> until originator completes transfer of FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>to user, at which point funds are placed in originator account <b>255</b>.

0167Payment Methods

0168<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> illustrates a protocol in which central controller <b>200</b> establishes user account <b>268</b>. At step <b>1300</b>, user selects a preferred method of payment. Preferred methods might include credit card, personal check, electronic funds transfer, digital cash, etc. User transmits payment data to central controller <b>200</b> at step <b>1310</b><i>a</i>. As indicated in box <b>1315</b>, such payment data might include credit card account number, bank account number or digital cash account number. These payment methods are meant to be merely illustrative, however, as there are many equivalent payment methods commonly known in the art that may also be used. At step <b>1320</b>, payment data and payment preferences are stored by central controller <b>200</b> in payment database <b>265</b>. At step <b>1330</b>, central controller <b>200</b> establishes user account <b>268</b> which may store money transferred by the user or may serve as pointer to an account of the user outside the system. For users using credit cards, for example, user account <b>268</b> contains the credit card number, expiration date, and name of issuing institution. At step <b>1340</b>, central controller <b>200</b> contacts the bank or card issuer to confirm that funds are available.

0169The above protocols may be similarly applied to originators allowing for creation of originator account <b>255</b>. The originator account <b>255</b> is primarily used for deposits, with money flowing from users to originator. However, in one embodiment originators are required to pay a submission fee in order to post an NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>and corresponding FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>, in which case central controller <b>200</b> must establish originator account <b>255</b> and receive payment data in the same manner described above for users.

0170There are many commercially available payment systems that will be known to those skilled in the art. Payment data and transaction confirmation may be processed on-line via the World Wide Web or conventionally via telephone, facsimile, postal mail, electronic mail, etc. Thus, payment data and transaction processing may occur outside of the system if necessary.

0171Escrow Embodiment

0172In an alternative embodiment, payment to originator by user may be delayed until the rights to the FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>have been adequately transferred to user. Escrow account <b>269</b> allows payment to be delayed until originator agrees to the terms of the FDI transfer agreement, which at the same time ensures that user will in fact make payment. Central controller <b>200</b> establishes escrow account <b>269</b> as a temporary holding account. When originator binds user to FDI transfer agreement at step <b>1900</b> and central controller <b>200</b> receives originator response at step <b>1920</b>, funds are removed from user account <b>268</b> and placed in escrow account <b>269</b> at step <b>1930</b>. When rights to use FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>, or physical embodiment of the FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>is transmitted to user and confirmation of transfer is received by central controller <b>200</b>, funds are transferred from escrow account <b>269</b> to originator account <b>255</b>.

0173In another embodiment, the FDI transfer agreement may provide for the payment of royalty or installment payment. Central controller <b>200</b> may act as a funds clearinghouse for such transactions, so that accurate record of royalty or installment payments are maintained in user account <b>268</b> and originator account <b>255</b>.

0174Off-Line Embodiments

0175In one embodiment of the present invention, originators and users communicate with central controller <b>200</b> in a manner other than electronic mail or web-based server. Conventional communications means, such as telephone, facsimile, postal mail, courier or other means can also be used.

0176For instance, facsimile, postal mail or courier could be used to deliver a print version of available NDS(FDI)s <b>100</b><i>a </i>to potential users. Potential users desiring access to a particular FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>could then deliver user response <b>10</b><i>a </i>to central controller <b>200</b> via postal mail or courier or deliver user response directly to the originator. Terms of the license could then be delivered to user and license confirmation <b>120</b><i>a </i>could then be delivered to originator. Originator or central controller <b>200</b> would then deliver FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>to user pursuant to terms of the license agreement. Alternatively, any combination of the mentioned methods of communication could be used, including digitization of written material and subsequent posting of such content on the World Wide Web in the manner described for the on-line embodiment.

0177Cryptographic Authentication Embodiment

0178In the previous embodiments, authentication of originator and user involves checking the attached ID number or name and comparing it with those stored in originator database <b>257</b> and user database <b>259</b>. As one skilled in the art will recognize, commercially available cryptographic protocols may be used to enhance security and ensure authentication of originator and user. These protocols can be used in connection with the on-line embodiment to ensure communications between user or originator and central controller <b>200</b> have not been interrupted and to verify their integrity. This is particularly important when dealing with FDIs <b>130</b><i>a </i>or RFPs <b>130</b><i>b </i>that constitute confidential information. The practice of using cryptographic assurance methods to ensure authenticity of senders as well as the integrity of messages is well known in the art and need not be described here in detail.

0179<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref><i>a </i>describes a symmetric key embodiment in which the user and central controller <b>200</b> share a key. Both encryption and decryption of user response <b>10</b><i>a </i>are performed with the same key. User encrypts user response <b>100</b><i>a </i>with user's assigned symmetric key at step <b>1400</b><i>a</i>, using cryptographic processor <b>310</b> of user interface <b>300</b>. The key may be stored in message database <b>370</b> or otherwise stored or memorized by user. The encrypted user response <b>110</b><i>a </i>is then transmitted to cryptographic processor <b>210</b> of central controller <b>200</b> at step <b>1410</b><i>a</i>. Cryptographic processor <b>210</b> extracts user ID from user response <b>110</b><i>a </i>at step <b>1420</b><i>a </i>and looks up symmetric key of user in cryptographic key database <b>266</b> at step <b>1430</b><i>a</i>, decrypting user response <b>110</b><i>a </i>with this key at step <b>1450</b><i>a</i>. Cryptographic key database <b>266</b> contains algorithms and keys for encrypting and decrypting and/or authenticating messages. At step <b>1460</b><i>a</i>, if the resulting message is intelligible, then it must have been encrypted using the same key, authenticating that the user must have been the author of the user response <b>110</b><i>a. </i>

0180<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref><i>b </i>describes the corresponding symmetric key embodiment as used in the user-driven embodiment of the invention. The process is the same as that described above for the originator-driven system.

0181<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref><i>a </i>describes an asymmetric key embodiment in which user response <b>110</b><i>a </i>is encrypted with a private key and decrypted with a public key. At step <b>1500</b><i>a</i>, user encrypts user response <b>10</b><i>a </i>with user's private key using cryptographic processor <b>310</b>, transmitting user response <b>110</b><i>a </i>to central controller <b>200</b> at step <b>15110</b><i>a</i>. Cryptographic processor <b>210</b> extracts the user ID at step <b>1520</b><i>a </i>and looks up the user's associated public key in cryptographic key database <b>266</b> at step <b>1530</b><i>a</i>, decrypting user response <b>110</b><i>a </i>with this public key at step <b>1540</b><i>a</i>. As before, if user response <b>100</b><i>a </i>is intelligible then central controller <b>200</b> has authenticated the user at step <b>1550</b><i>a. </i>

0182<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref><i>b </i>describes the corresponding asymmetric key embodiment as used in the user-driven embodiment of the invention. The process is the same as that described above for the originator-driven system.

0183<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref><i>a </i>shows a cryptographic technique using digital signatures to provide authentication and message integrity. As in the asymmetric protocol described above, each user has an associated public and private key. The user sings user response <b>110</b><i>a </i>with user's private key at step <b>1600</b><i>a </i>using cryptographic processor <b>310</b> and transmits user response <b>110</b><i>a </i>to central controller <b>200</b> at step <b>1610</b><i>a</i>. Central controller <b>200</b> cryptographic processor <b>210</b> extracts the user ID at step <b>1620</b><i>a </i>and looks up user's public key at step <b>1630</b><i>a</i>, verifying the signature using user's response <b>110</b><i>a </i>and the public key of user at step <b>1640</b><i>a</i>. If user response <b>10</b><i>a </i>is intelligible, then central controller <b>200</b> accepts user response <b>110</b><i>a </i>as authenticated at step <b>1650</b><i>a. </i>

0184<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref><i>b </i>describes the corresponding digital signature embodiment as used in the user-driven embodiment of the invention. The process is the same as that described above for the originator-driven system.

0185<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref><i>a </i>describes a cryptographic technique using message authentication codes for verifying the authenticity and integrity of user response <b>110</b><i>a</i>. User and central controller <b>200</b> share a symmetric key, which user includes in a hash of user response <b>110</b><i>a </i>at step <b>1700</b><i>a</i>. In the hash protocol, a one-way function is applied to the digital representation of the user response <b>10</b><i>a</i>, generating a code that acts much like a fingerprint of user's response <b>110</b><i>a</i>. After transmitting user response <b>110</b><i>a </i>to central controller <b>200</b> at step <b>1710</b><i>a</i>, cryptographic processor <b>210</b> extracts user ID from user response <b>110</b><i>a </i>at step <b>1720</b><i>a</i>. Cryptographic processor <b>210</b> looks up user's symmetric key at step <b>1730</b><i>a </i>and hashes user response <b>110</b><i>a </i>with this symmetric key at step <b>1740</b><i>a</i>, comparing the resulting hash value with the hash value attached to user's response <b>110</b><i>a</i>. If the values match at step <b>1750</b><i>a</i>, the integrity of user response <b>10</b><i>a </i>is verified along with the authenticity of the user.

0186<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref><i>b </i>describes the corresponding cryptographic technique as used in the user-driven embodiment of the invention. The process is the same as that described above for the originator-driven system.

0187Biometric Devices

0188Additional security can be built into the system by using biometric devices such as fingerprint reader, voice recognition system, retinal scanner, facial recognition system and the like. These incorporate a physical attribute into the user response <b>110</b><i>a</i>, which is then compared with the value stored in user database <b>259</b>. Such biometric devices <b>355</b> may attach to user interface <b>300</b>. Many such biometric devices <b>355</b> are commercially available and the use of such biometric devices to ensure authenticity of senders is well know in the art and need not be described in detail herein.

0189For example, using a fingerprint reader, user places user's finger on a lens and the resulting image is scanned, digitized, and the data is stored in memory. Each live-scan fingerprint is compared to the previously stored template, stored in data storage device <b>360</b>. If the prints do not match, cryptographic processor <b>310</b> may prevent user from generating a user response <b>110</b><i>a. </i>

0190The cryptographic and biometric protocols described above may be applied to all communications between originator or user and central controller <b>200</b>, including NDS(FDI)s <b>100</b><i>a </i>and NDS(RFP)s <b>110</b><i>b</i>, FDIs <b>130</b><i>a </i>and RFPS <b>130</b><i>b</i>, user response <b>110</b><i>a</i>, originator response <b>210</b><i>a</i>, FDI transfer agreement, license confirmation <b>120</b><i>a </i>and <b>120</b><i>b</i>, etc.

0191Anonymous Transactions Embodiment

0192As described herein, the present invention provides for the anonymity of both users and originators if desired. Anonymity is accomplished by eliminating all references to the names of the individuals or entities involved in all transactions. An originator, for example, would add originator's ID to an NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a </i>or FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>rather than adding originator's name, preventing a user browsing NDS(FDI)s <b>100</b><i>a </i>from discovering originator's identity. This may be desirable if originator is a screenwriter, for instance, with a negative credit in his portfolio. The FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>would be purchased, licensed or whatever by the-user based entirely on the merit of the FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>and not the originator's experience or qualifications. In a similar manner, users may wish to keep their identity anonymous. A venture capitalist may not want the originator of a business opportunity to know the identity of the venture capitalist because such knowledge would allow the originator to assess previous investments of the venture capitalist or discover the typical dollar amount invested by the venture capitalist.

0193In the user-driven embodiment, a user may wish to submit an RFP <b>130</b><i>b </i>anonymously so that originators with possible solutions can not disclose who has a particular need, which information could signal trouble to the investment community or signal weakness to a competitor. Similarly, an originator may wish to remain anonymous. A screenwriter with a bad credit may wish to propose a screenplay for development by a user that has posted an RFP <b>130</b><i>b</i>. The screenwriter would prefer to have the proposed FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>be considered on the merit of the screenplay, not his or her one bad credit.

0194Many methods for ensuring anonymity will be obvious to those skilled in the art and need not be described herein. To enhance security, user and originator IDs may be encrypted with the public key of central controller <b>200</b> to prevent unauthorized use.

0195In one embodiment of the present invention, central controller <b>200</b> is separated into three distinct elements: operations server <b>2000</b>, trusted server <b>2010</b> and bonding agency <b>2020</b>. Each server performs a distinct task in the process of managing NDS(FDI) <b>100</b><i>a</i>, FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>, NDS(RFP) <b>100</b><i>b</i>, RFP <b>130</b><i>b</i>, and other tasks. The separation makes it more difficult for attackers to compromise the system. As indicated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, these servers work in conjunction with user interface <b>300</b> and originator interface <b>400</b>. Operations server <b>2000</b> has the task of posting NDS(FDI)s <b>100</b><i>a </i>or NDS(RFP)s <b>100</b><i>b</i>, and accepts all transactions previously authenticated by trusted server <b>2010</b>. Trusted server <b>2010</b> authenticates the identity of users and originators, while bonding agency <b>2020</b> verifies the ability of users to pay and the ability of originators to deliver the FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>or the rights to use the FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>. There are many network configurations and software applications commercially available to manage the trusted server embodiment described herein. It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that each server type may be distributed over a number of servers.

0196Barter Embodiments

0197Not all transactions require the transfer of money from user to originator. In a barter transaction, the user may propose in the FDI transfer agreement to swap equity in user's entity or a new entity instead of cash. For instance, if user is a venture capitalist, user may propose establishing a company to exploit the business opportunity represented by originator's FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>. Alternatively, a user may propose to employ originator or to perform services in exchange for the right to use originators FDI <b>130</b><i>a. </i>

0198Arbitration Protocols

0199The previous embodiments have described the transfer of an FDI <b>130</b><i>a</i>, RFP <b>130</b><i>b </i>or execution of an FDI transfer agreement as the end of the process. In light of the fact that the present invention deals with ideas and confidential information, disputes are inevitable. Disputes regarding misappropriation of trade secrets will be reduced when utilizing the present invention as all communications and transactions are stored in respective databases and electronic records of all such activities could be produced to help resolve disputes early on. The present invention can support dispute resolution in two ways.

0200First, provisions can be part of the submission and license agreements requiring that both originator and user submit to binding arbitration of all disputes, helping avoid more costly and time-consuming legal proceedings. A liquidated damages provision may also be included in the submission and license agreements to bring certainty to each party's potential exposure.

0201Second, central controller <b>200</b> or a third-party may be designated as arbiter for each dispute. Such disputes can be resolved utilizing on-line arbitration provided by companies such as clicknsettle.com. Most misappropriation claims will be resolved on the basis of proof of independent creation or an independent source. Such disputes are particularly suited for on-line arbitration because proof is often in the form of documentary evidence rather than witness testimony. The time and date of access to an FDI <b>130</b><i>a </i>by an identifiable user or access to an RFP <b>130</b><i>b </i>by an identifiable originator is maintained by central controller <b>200</b> and is easily reproducible for use in the arbitration process. Proof of an independent source would be particularly easy to prove if the transaction occurred using the present invention because a record of that transaction would likewise be easily reproducible. Proof of independent creation, such as copyright filings or research notes, could be communicated to central controller <b>200</b> or all transaction data could be sent to the third party arbiter outside the system.

0202Revenue Generation

0203The providers of the systems may derive revenue from originators and users in a number of ways. In one embodiment, a percentage-based commission is charged on every innovation transfer transaction consummated via the system. In another embodiment, originators pay a per-submission fee, or are charged a flat fee for any number of FDIs submitted over a given period. In another embodiment, users are charged an access fee per FDI accessed, or are charged a flat fee for any number of FDIs accessed in a given period of time. In another embodiment, users pay the provider a license fee in exchange for the right to use the present invention for exclusive submissions. In another embodiment, advertisers pay to have messages displayed to originators and users alike.

0204In another embodiment, content providers pay to provide relevant information to originators and users alike. Alternatively, the method and apparatus of the present invention may be employed without a payment feature.

0205Applications of the Invention

0206In order to clarify the application of the present invention, the following examples demonstrate potential needs of originators and users and demonstrate the originator-driven component of the present invention:

0207FDI: Motion Picture Screenplay

0208An originator desires to submit an original screenplay to a potential user (i.e., movie studio) for review and consideration. The originator logs onto a web site (e.g., central controller <b>200</b>) and inputs identifying information and qualifications, attaches a text file comprising the fully disclosed complete screenplay, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the screenplay, and clicks on the “submit” icon available on the web site. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. Originator agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed screenplay is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to the user via the World Wide Web (WWW). If the user is interested in reviewing the entire screenplay, user clicks on the “access” icon. The user is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the user the right to review and consider the originator's screenplay. If user agrees, user is granted access to the entire screenplay for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If user is interested in further analysis and/or in purchasing the screenplay for production, user pays a negotiated sum for the rights desired.

0209FDI: Business Opportunity

0210An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to a confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e., no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a business plan, executive summary or business concept to a potential user (i.e., individual or entity interested in reviewing business concepts) (e.g., venture capitalist, angel investor, strategic partner, etc.) for review and consideration. The originator logs onto a web site (e.g., central controller <b>200</b>) and inputs identifying information and qualifications, attaches a text file, inputs free-form text, and/or uploads an audio or video file comprising the fully disclosed complete business plan, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the business plan, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. Originator agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed business plan is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable user, or to a plurality of potential users, via the World Wide Web. A user may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available business plans by category or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of available business plans. If a user is interested in reviewing the entire business plan, user clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The user is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the user the right to review and consider the originator's business plan. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the submitting originator. If user agrees, user is granted access to the entire business plan for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If user is interested in further analysis and/or in providing funding to the submitting originator, user contacts originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., financing, joint venture, partnership, etc.).

0211FDI: Application Software

0212An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to a confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e., no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a specification for a new software application (“spec”) to a potential user (i.e., individual or entity looking for new software applications) (e.g., software or other technology company, university, venture capitalist, entrepreneur, etc.) for review and consideration. The originator logs onto a web site (e.g., central controller <b>200</b>) and inputs identifying information and qualifications, attaches a text file, inputs free-form text, and/or uploads the software program comprising the fully disclosed complete spec, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the spec, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. Originator agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed spec is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable user, or to a plurality of potential users, via the World Wide Web. A user may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available specs by category or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of available specs. If a user is interested in reviewing the entire spec, the user clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The user is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the user the right to review and consider the originator's spec. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the submitting originator. If user agrees, user is granted access to the entire spec for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If user is interested in further analysis and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to the spec, user contacts originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., license, purchase, development, etc.).

0213FDI: Book Manuscript

0214An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to a confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e., no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a book manuscript to a potential user (i.e., individual or entity looking for new book manuscripts) (e.g., publisher, university, literary agent, movie studio, etc.) for review and consideration. The originator logs onto a web site (e.g., central controller <b>200</b>) and inputs identifying information and qualifications, attaches a text file or inputs free-form text comprising the fully disclosed complete book manuscript, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the book manuscript, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. Originator agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed book manuscript is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable user, or to a plurality of potential users, via the World Wide Web. A user may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available book manuscripts by category or may uitilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of available book manuscripts. If a user is interested in reviewing the entire book manuscript, the user clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The user is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the user the right to review and consider the originator's book manuscript. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the submitting originator. If user agrees, user is granted access to the entire book manuscript for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If user is interested in further analysis and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to the book manuscript, user contacts originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., publishing agreement, option, license, purchase, development, etc.).

0215FDI: Musical Composition

0216An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to a confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e., no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a musical composition to a potential user (i.e., individual or entity looking for new musical compositions) (e.g., publisher, university, music agent, movie studio, record company, etc.) for review and consideration. The originator logs onto a web site (e.g., central controller <b>200</b>) and inputs identifying information and qualifications, attaches a text file, inputs free-form text, and/or uploads an audio or video file comprising the fully disclosed complete musical composition, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the musical composition, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. Originator agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed musical composition is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable user, or to a plurality of potential users, via the World Wide Web. A user may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available musical compositions by category or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of available musical compositions. If a user is interested in reviewing the entire musical composition, user clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The user is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the user the right to review and consider the originator's musical composition. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the submitting originator. If user agrees, user is granted access to the entire musical composition for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If user is interested in further analysis and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to the musical composition, user contacts originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., publishing agreement, option, license, purchase, development, etc.).

0217FDI: Toy Concept

0218An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to a confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e., no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a toy concept to a potential user (i.e., individual or entity looking for new toy concepts) (e.g., toy manufacturer, agent, marketing company, movie studio, etc.) for review and consideration. The originator logs onto a web site (e.g., central controller <b>200</b>) and inputs identifying information and qualifications, attaches a text file, inputs free-form text, and/or uploads an audio, video or graphics file comprising the fully disclosed complete toy concept, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the toy concept, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. Originator agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed toy concept is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable user, or to a plurality of potential users, via the World Wide Web. A user may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available toy concepts by category or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of available toy concepts. If a user is interested in reviewing the entire toy concept, the user clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The user is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the user the right to review and consider the originator's toy concept. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the submitting originator. If user agrees, user is granted access to the entire toy concept for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If user is interested in further analysis and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to the toy concept, user contacts originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., publishing agreement, option, license, purchase, development,

0219FDI: Advertising Slogan

0220An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to a confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e., no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a proposed advertising slogan to a potential user (i.e., individual or entity looking for new advertising slogans) (e.g., advertising agencies, agent, marketing company, movie studio, consulting company, publisher, etc.) for review and consideration. The originator logs onto a web site (e.g., central controller <b>200</b>) and inputs identifying information and qualifications, attaches a text file, inputs free-form text, and/or uploads an audio, video or graphics file comprising the fully disclosed complete advertising slogan, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the advertising slogan, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. Originator agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed advertising slogan is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable user, or to a plurality of potential users, via the World Wide Web. A user may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available advertising slogans by category or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of available advertising slogans. If a user is interested in reviewing the entire advertising slogan, user clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The user is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the user the right to review and consider the originator's advertising slogan. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the submitting originator. If user agrees, user is granted access to the entire advertising slogan for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If user is interested in further analysis and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to the advertising slogan, user contacts originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., publishing agreement, option, license, purchase, development, etc.).

0221FDI: Company Trade Name

0222An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to a confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e., no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a proposed company trade name and/or logo to a potential user (i.e., individual or entity looking for new trade names and/or logos) (e.g., advertising agency, public relations firm, agent, marketing company, movie studio, etc.) for review and consideration. The originator logs onto a web site (e.g., central controller <b>200</b>) and inputs identifying information and qualifications, attaches a text file, inputs free-form text, and/or uploads an audio, video or graphics file comprising the fully disclosed complete trade name and/or logo, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the trade name and/or logo, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. Originator agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed trade name and/or logo is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable user, or to a plurality of potential users, via the World Wide Web. A user may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available trade names and/or logos by category or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of available trade names and/or logos. If a user is interested in reviewing the entire trade name and/or logo, user clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The user is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the user the right to review and consider the originator's trade name and/or logo. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the submitting originator. If user agrees, user is granted access to the entire trade name and/or logo for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If user is interested in further analysis and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to the trade name and/or logo, user contacts originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., publishing agreement, option, license, purchase, development, etc.).

0223FDI: Service Mark

0224An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to a confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e., no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a proposed service mark to a potential user (i.e., individual or entity looking for new service marks) (e.g. advertising agency, public relations firm, agent, marketing company, movie studio, etc.) for review and consideration. The originator logs onto a web site (e.g., central controller <b>200</b>) and inputs identifying information and qualifications, attaches a text file, inputs free-form text, and/or uploads an audio, video or graphics file comprising the fully disclosed complete service mark, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the service mark, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. Originator agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed service mark is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable user, or to a plurality of potential users, via the World Wide Web. A user may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available service marks by category or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of available service marks. If a user is interested in reviewing the entire service mark, the user clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The user is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the user the right to review and consider the originator's service mark. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the submitting originator. If user agrees, user is granted access to the entire service mark for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If user is interested in further analysis and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to the service mark, user contacts originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., publishing agreement, option, license, purchase, development, etc.).

0225FDI: Product Trademark

0226An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to a confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e., no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a proposed product trademark to a potential user (i.e., individual or entity looking for new trademarks) (e.g., advertising agency, public relations firm, agent, marketing company, movie studio, etc.) for review and consideration. The originator logs onto a web site (e.g., central controller <b>200</b>) and inputs identifying information and qualifications, attaches a text file, inputs free-form text, and/or uploads an audio, video or graphics file comprising the fully disclosed complete trademark, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the trademark, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. Originator agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed trademark is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable user, or to a plurality of potential users, via the World Wide Web. A user may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available trademarks by category or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of available trademarks. If a user is interested in reviewing the entire trademark, user clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The user is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the user the right to review and consider the originator's trademark. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the submitting originator. If user agrees, user is granted access to the entire trademark for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If user is interested in further analysis and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to the trademark, user contacts originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., publishing agreement, option, license, purchase, development, etc.).

0227FDI: Chemical Composition

0228An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to a confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e., no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a new chemical composition to a potential user (i.e., individual or entity looking for new chemical compositions) (e.g., chemical manufacturer, university, research entity, government agency, etc.) for review and consideration. The originator logs onto a web site (e.g., central controller <b>200</b>) and inputs identifying information and qualifications, attaches a text file, inputs free-form text, and/or uploads an audio, video or graphics file comprising the fully disclosed complete chemical composition, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the chemical composition, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. Originator agrees to terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed chemical composition is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable user, or to a plurality of potential users, via the World Wide Web. A user may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available chemical compositions by category or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of available chemical compositions. If a user is interested in reviewing the entire chemical composition, user clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The user is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the user the right to review and consider the originator's chemical composition. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the submitting originator. If user agrees, user is granted access to the entire chemical composition for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If user is interested in further analysis and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to the chemical composition, user contacts originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., publishing agreement, option, license, purchase, development, etc.).

0229FDI: Product Enhancement

0230An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to a confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e., no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a specification for a new product enhancement (“spec”) to a potential user (i.e., individual or entity looking for new product enhancements) (e.g., software or other technology company, automobile manufacturer, university, venture capitalist, entrepreneur, etc.) for review and consideration. The originator logs onto a web site (e.g., central controller <b>200</b>) and inputs identifying information and qualifications, attaches a text file, inputs free-form text, and/or uploads an audio file, video file, graphics file or software program comprising the fully disclosed complete spec, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the spec, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. Originator agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed spec is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable user, or to a plurality of potential users, via the World Wide Web. A user may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available specs by category or may utilize the-system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of available specs. If a user is interested in reviewing the entire spec, user clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The user is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the user the right to review and consider the originator's spec. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the submitting originator. If user agrees, user is granted access to the entire spec for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If user is interested in further analysis and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to the spec, user contacts originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., license, purchase, development, etc.).

0231FDI: Electronic Game Concept

0232An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to a confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e., no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a specification for a new electronic game concept (“spec”) to a potential user (i.e., individual or entity looking for new electronic game concepts) (e.g., software or other technology company, video game manufacturer, university, venture capitalist, entrepreneur, etc.) for review and consideration. The originator logs onto a web site (e.g., central controller <b>200</b>) and inputs identifying information and qualifications, attaches a text file, inputs free-form text, and/or uploads an audio file, video file, graphics file or software program comprising the fully disclosed complete spec, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the spec, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. Originator agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed spec is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable user, or to a plurality of potential users, via the World Wide Web. A user may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available specs by category or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of available specs. If a user is interested in reviewing the entire spec, user clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The user is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the user the right to review and consider the originator's spec. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the submitting originator. If user agrees, user is granted access to the entire spec for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If user is interested in further analysis and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to the spec, user contacts originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., license, purchase, development, etc.).

0233FDI: Grant Proposal Criteria

0234An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to a confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e., no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a grant proposal to a potential user (i.e., grant giver) (e.g., foundation, university, government agency, nonprofit organization, etc.) for review and consideration. The originator logs onto a web site (e.g., central controller <b>200</b>) and inputs identifying information and qualifications, attaches a text file or inputs free-form text comprising the fully disclosed complete grant proposal, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the grant proposal, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. Originator agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed grant proposal is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable user, or to a plurality of potential users, via the World Wide Web. A user may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available grant proposals by category or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of available grant proposals. If a user is interested in reviewing the entire grant proposal, user clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The user is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the user the right to review and consider the originator's grant proposal. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the submitting originator. If user agrees, user is granted access to the entire grant proposal for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If user is interested in further analysis and/or in providing a grant to the submitting originator, user contacts originator to negotiate the terms of the grant.

0235The following examples demonstrate potential needs of users and represent the user-driven component of the present invention:

0236RFP: Motion Picture Screenplay

0237A user (i.e., movie studio, production company, Hollywood agency or agent) is seeking an original screenplay meeting defined development criteria (e.g., drama, period piece, love story, etc.). Rather than commission a screenwriter directly to write the original screenplay meeting the development criteria, the user desires to submit, confidentially or nonconfidentially, a request for proposed screenplays (“open assignment”) globally to originators (e.g., screenwriters, Hollywood agents or managers, etc.) for his/her/their review and consideration. User logs onto a web site and inputs identifying information and specific development criteria, attaches a text, audio, video or graphics file or inputs free-form text comprising the fully disclosed open assignment, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the open assignment, and clicks the “submit” icon available on, the web site. User is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. User agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed open assignment is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable originator, to a plurality of originators, or globally to potential originators via the World Wide Web. An originator may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available open assignments by category or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of open assignments. If an originator is interested in reviewing the entire open assignment, originator clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the originator the right to review and consider the fully disclosed open assignment. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the soliciting user. If originator agrees, originator is granted access to the entire open assignment for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If originator is interested in further analysis, originator contacts the soliciting user for further due diligence. If user has agreed to receive proposed screenplays from originators, an originator may submit his/her/its screenplay as an FDI (fully disclosed idea) in the same manner described above. The soliciting user is then able to scroll through all NDSes submitted as proposed screenplays or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant screenplays meeting the open assignment criteria, and access, pursuant to the terms of an on-line license agreement, only those proposed screenplays that the user determines warrant further consideration. Alternatively, proposed screenplays may be submitted directly to the soliciting user. If the soliciting user is interested in further analysis and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to a screenplay, soliciting user contacts the submitting originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., license, option, purchase, development, etc.).

0238RFP: Business Opportunity

0239A user (i.e., venture capital firm, angel investor, strategic partner, etc.) is seeking an original business plan or concept meeting defined investment and/or development criteria (e.g., wireless application software, business-to-business chemical marketplace, etc.). The user desires to submit, confidentially or nonconfidentially, a request for proposed business plans or concepts (“RFP”) globally to originators (e.g., entrepreneurs, established companies, etc.) for his/her/their review and consideration. User logs onto a web site and inputs identifying information and specific development criteria, attaches a text, audio, video or graphics file or inputs free-form text comprising the fully disclosed RFP, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the RFP, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. User is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. User agrees to terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed RFP is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable originator, to a plurality of originators, or globally to potential originators via the World Wide Web. An originator may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available RFPs by category or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of RFPs. If an, originator is interested in reviewing the entire RFP, originator clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting originator the right to review and consider the fully disclosed RFP. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the soliciting user. If originator agrees, originator is granted access to the entire RFP for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If originator is interested in further analysis, originator contacts the soliciting user for further due diligence. If user has agreed to receive proposed screenplays from originators, an originator may submit his/her/its business plan or concept as an FDI (fully disclosed idea) in the same manner described above. The soliciting user is then able to scroll through all NDSes submitted as proposed business plans or concepts or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant business plans or concepts meeting the RFP criteria, and access, pursuant to the terms of an on-line license agreement, only those proposed business plans or concepts that the user determines warrant further consideration. Alternatively, proposed business plans or concepts may be submitted directly to the soliciting user. If the soliciting user is interested in further analysis, financing and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to a business plan or concept, soliciting user contacts the submitting originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., license, option, purchase, investment, development, etc.).

0240RFP: Application Software

0241A user (i.e., individual or entity looking for a specific solution) (e.g., Internet company or other business entity, entrepreneur, etc.) is seeking a software application meeting defined development criteria (e.g., wireless application software, system architecture, etc.). The user desires to submit, confidentially or nonconfidentially, a request for proposed software applications (“RFP”) globally to originators (e.g., entrepreneurs, established companies, software engineers, etc.) for his/her/their review and consideration. User logs onto a web site and inputs identifying information and specific development criteria, attaches a text, audio, video or graphics file, or inputs free-form text comprising the fully disclosed RFP, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the RFP, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. User is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. User agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed RFP is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable originator, to a plurality of originators, or globally to potential originators via the World Wide Web. An originator may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available RFPs by category or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of RFPs. If an originator is interested in reviewing the entire RFP, originator clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting originator the right to review and consider the fully disclosed RFP. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the soliciting user. If originator agrees, originator is granted access to the entire RFP for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If originator is interested in further analysis, originator contacts the soliciting user for further due diligence. If user has agreed to receive proposed software applications from originators, an originator may submit his/her/its software application as an FDI (fully disclosed idea) in the same manner described above. The soliciting user is then able to scroll through all NDSes submitted as proposed software applications or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant software applications meeting the RFP criteria, and access, pursuant to the terms of an on-line license agreement, only those proposed software applications that the user determines warrant further consideration. Alternatively, proposed software applications may be submitted directly to the soliciting user. If the soliciting user is interested in further analysis, financing and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to a software application, soliciting user contacts the submitting originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., license, option, purchase, investment, development, etc.).

0242RFP: Book Manuscript

0243A user (i.e., individual or entity looking for original book manuscripts) (e.g., publishing company, literary agent, etc.) is seeking a book manuscript meeting defined development criteria (e.g., life story, period piece, etc.). The user desires to submit, confidentially or nonconfidentially, a request for proposed book manuscripts (“RFP”) globally to originators (e.g., writers, literary agents, publishers, etc.) for his/her/their review and consideration. User logs onto a web site and inputs identifying information and specific development criteria, attaches a text, audio, video or graphics file, or inputs free-form text comprising the fully disclosed RFP, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the RFP, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. User is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. User agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed RFP is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable originator, to a plurality of originators, or globally to potential originators via the World Wide Web. An originator may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available RFPs by category or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of RFPs. If an originator is interested in reviewing the entire RFP, originator clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting originator the right to review and consider the fully disclosed RFP. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the soliciting user. If originator agrees, originator is granted access to the entire RFP for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If originator is interested in further analysis, originator contacts the soliciting user for further due diligence. If user has agreed to receive proposed book manuscripts from originators, an originator may submit his/her/its software book manuscript as an FDI (fully disclosed idea) in the same manner described above. The soliciting user is then able to scroll through all NDSes submitted as proposed book manuscripts or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant book manuscripts meeting the RFP criteria, and access, pursuant to the terms of an on-line license agreement, only those proposed book manuscripts that the user determines warrant further consideration. Alternatively, proposed book manuscripts may be submitted directly to the soliciting user. If the soliciting user is interested in further analysis, financing and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to a book manuscript, soliciting user contacts the submitting originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., license, option, purchase, investment, development, etc.).

0244RFP: Musical Composition

0245A user (i.e., individual or entity looking for original musical compositions). (e.g., publishing company, literary agent, record, company, musician, etc.) is seeking a musical composition meeting defined development criteria (e.g., rhythm, tempo, cadence, period piece, etc.). The user desires to submit, confidentially or nonconfidentially, a request for proposed musical composition (“RFP”) globally to originators (e.g., songwriters, literary agents, publishers, record companies, musicians etc.) for his/her/their review and consideration. User logs onto a web site and inputs identifying information and specific development criteria, attaches a text, audio, video or graphics file, or inputs free-form text comprising the fully disclosed RFP, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the RFP, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. User is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. User agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed RFP is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable originator, to a plurality of originators, or globally to potential originators via the World Wide Web. An originator may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available RFPs by category or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of RFPs. If an originator is interested in reviewing the entire RFP, originator clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the originator the right to review and consider the fully disclosed RFP. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the soliciting user. If originator agrees, originator is granted access to the entire RFP for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If originator is interested in further analysis, originator contacts the soliciting user for further due diligence. If user has agreed to receive proposed musical compositions from originators, an originator may submit his/her/its software musical composition as an FDI (fully disclosed idea) in the same manner described above. The soliciting user is then able to scroll through all NDSes submitted as proposed musical compositions or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant musical compositions meeting the RFP criteria, and access, pursuant to the terms of an on-line license agreement, only those proposed musical compositions that the user determines warrant further consideration. Alternatively, proposed musical compositions may be submitted directly to the soliciting user. If the soliciting user is interested in further analysis, financing and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to a musical composition, soliciting user contacts the submitting originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., license, option, purchase, investment, development, 4etc.).

0246RFP: Toy Concept

0247A user (i.e., individual or entity looking for original toy concepts) (e.g., toy developer, toy manufacturer, etc.) is seeking a toy concept meeting defined development criteria (e.g., age range, material, etc.). The user desires to submit, confidentially or nonconfidentially, a request for proposed toy concepts (“RFP”) globally to originators (e.g., toy developers, toy manufacturers, inventors, etc.) for his/her/their review and consideration. User logs onto a web site and inputs identifying information and specific development criteria, attaches a text, audio, video or graphics file, or inputs free-form text comprising the fully disclosed RFP, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the RFP, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. User is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. User agrees to terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed RFP is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable originator, to a plurality of originators, or globally to potential originators via the World Wide Web. An originator may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available RFPs by category or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of RFPs. If an originator is interested in reviewing the entire RFP, originator clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting originator the right to review and consider the fully disclosed RFP. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the soliciting user. If originator agrees, originator is granted access to the entire RFP for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If originator is interested in further analysis, originator contacts the soliciting user for further due diligence. If user has agreed to receive proposed toy concepts from originators, an originator may submit his/her/its software toy concept as an FDI (fully disclosed idea) in the same manner described above. The soliciting user is then able to scroll through all NDSes submitted as proposed toy concepts or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant toy concepts meeting the RFP criteria, and access, pursuant to the terms of an on-line license agreement, only those proposed toy concepts that the user determines warrant further consideration. Alternatively, proposed toy concepts may be submitted directly to the soliciting user. If the soliciting user is interested in further analysis, financing and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to a toy concept, soliciting user contacts the submitting originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., license, option, purchase, investment, development, etc.).

0248RFP: Advertising Slogan

0249A user (e.g., ACE Hardware) desires implementation of a new national advertising campaign. Rather than retain an advertising agency to develop the campaign, the user desires to submit a request for proposed advertising slogans directly to its consumers. The user logs onto a web site and inputs identifying information and criteria, attaches a text file comprising the fully disclosed need (e.g., description of products or services to be marketed, desired length of slogan, etc.), creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the need, and clicks on the “submit” icon available on the web site. The user is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. User agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed need is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available globally via the World Wide Web to a plurality of potential originators capable of proposing slogans or directly to an intended and identifiable user. If an originator is interested in reviewing the entire fully disclosed need, originator clicks on the “access” icon. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the user the right to review and consider the user's fully disclosed need. If originator agrees, originator is granted access to the entire need for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If originator is interested in proposing a solution to the user's need (e.g., a slogan such as “ACE is the place with the helpful hardware man”) for use by the soliciting user, originator submits the proposed solution as an FDI (fully disclosed idea) in the manner described above. The soliciting user is then able to review all NDSes submitted as proposed solutions and to access, pursuant to an on-line license agreement, only those fully disclosed solutions which the user determines warrant further consideration. If soliciting user identifies a slogan it wishes to use, user negotiates for the right to use the originator's proposed slogan. Terms are negotiated, payment is submitted to originator, and user is granted the right to use originator's slogan according to the terms of a negotiated agreement.

0250RFP: Company Trade Name

0251A user (i.e., individual or entity looking for original company trade names) (e.g., advertising agency, new business entity, existing company, etc.) is seeking a trade name meeting defined development criteria (e.g., descriptive, domain name, etc.). The user desires to submit, confidentially or nonconfidentially, a request for proposed trade names (“RFP”) globally to originators (e.g., individuals, advertising agencies, marketing professionals, etc.) for his/her/their review and consideration. User logs onto a web site and inputs identifying information and specific development criteria, attaches a text, audio, video or graphics file, or inputs free-form text comprising the fully disclosed RFP, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the RFP, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. User is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. User agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed RFP is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable originator, to a plurality of originators, or globally to potential originators via the World Wide Web. An originator may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available RFPs by category or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of RFPs. If an originator is interested in reviewing the entire RFP, originator clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the originator the right to review and consider the fully disclosed RFP. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the soliciting user. If originator agrees, originator is granted access to the entire RFP for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If originator is interested in further analysis, originator contacts the soliciting user for further due diligence. If user has agreed to receive proposed trade names from originators, an originator may submit his/her/its software trade name as an FDI (fully disclosed idea) in the same manner described above. The soliciting user is then able to scroll through all NDSes submitted as proposed trade names or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant trade names meeting the RFP criteria, and access, pursuant to the terms of an on-line license agreement, only those proposed trade names that the user determines warrant further consideration. Alternatively, proposed trade names may be submitted directly to the soliciting user. If the soliciting user is interested in further analysis, financing and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to a trade name, soliciting user contacts the submitting originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., license, option, purchase, investment, development, etc.).

0252RFP: Service Mark

0253A user (i.e., individual or entity looking for original service marks) (e.g., advertising agency, new business entity, existing company, etc.) is seeking a service mark meeting defined development criteria (e.g., descriptive, domain name, etc.). The user desires to submit, confidentially or nonconfidentially, a request for proposed service marks (“RFP”) globally to a plurality of originators or directly to one or more intended and identifiable originators (e.g., individuals, advertising agencies, marketing professionals, etc.) for his/her/their review and consideration. User logs onto a web site and inputs identifying information and specific development criteria, attaches a text, audio, video or graphics file, or inputs free-form text comprising the fully disclosed RFP, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the RFP, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. User is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. User agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed RFP is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable originator, to a plurality of originators, or globally to potential originators via the World Wide Web. An originator may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available RFPs by category or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of RFPs. If an originator is interested in reviewing the entire RFP, originator clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the originator the right to review and consider the fully disclosed RFP. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the soliciting user. If originator agrees, originator is granted access to the entire RFP for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If originator is interested in further analysis, originator contacts the soliciting user for further due diligence. If user has agreed to receive proposed service marks from originators, an originator may submit his/her/its service mark as an FDI (fully disclosed idea) in the same manner described above. The soliciting user is then able to scroll through all NDSes submitted as proposed service marks or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant service marks meeting the RFP criteria, and access, pursuant to the terms of an on-line license agreement, only those proposed service marks that the user determines warrant further consideration. Alternatively, proposed service marks may be submitted directly to the soliciting user. If the soliciting user is interested in further analysis, financing and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to a service mark, soliciting user contacts the submitting originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., license, option, purchase, investment, development, etc.).

0254RFP: Product Trademark

0255A user (i.e., individual or entity looking for original product trademarks) (e.g., advertising agency, new business entity, existing company, etc.) is seeking a product trademark meeting defined development criteria (e.g., descriptive, domain name, etc.). The user desires to submit, confidentially or nonconfidentially, a request for proposed product trademarks (“RFP”) globally to a plurality of originators or directly to one or more intended and identifiable originators (e.g., individuals, advertising agencies, marketing professionals, etc.) for his/her/their review and consideration. User logs onto a web site and inputs identifying information and specific development criteria, attaches a text, audio, video or graphics file, or inputs free-form text comprising the fully disclosed RFP, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the RFP, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. User is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. User agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed RFP is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable originator, to a plurality of originators, or globally to potential originators via the World Wide Web. An originator may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available RFPs by category or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of RFPs. If an originator is interested in reviewing the entire RFP, originator clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the originator the right to review and consider the fully disclosed RFP. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the soliciting user. If originator agrees, originator is granted access to the entire RFP for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If originator is interested in further analysis, originator contacts the soliciting user for further due diligence. If user has agreed to receive proposed product trademarks from originators, an originator may submit his/her/its product trademark as an FDI (fully disclosed idea) in the same manner described above. The soliciting user is then able to scroll through all NDSes submitted as proposed product trademarks or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant product trademarks meeting the RFP criteria, and access, pursuant to the terms of an on-line license agreement, only those proposed product trademarks that the user determines warrant further consideration. Alternatively, proposed product trademarks may be ‘submitted directly to the soliciting user. If the soliciting user is interested in further analysis, financing and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to a product trademark, soliciting user contacts the submitting originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., license, option, purchase, investment, development, etc.).

0256RFP: Chemical Composition

0257A user (i.e., individual or entity looking for original chemical compositions) (e.g., chemical company, scientist, government research entity, etc.) is seeking a chemical composition meeting defined development criteria (e.g., physical properties, odorless, etc.). The user desires to submit, confidentially or nonconfidentially, a request for proposed chemical compositions (“RFP”) globally to originators (e.g., scientists, university professors, chemical development companies, etc.) for his/her/their review and consideration. User logs onto a web site and inputs identifying information and specific development criteria, attaches a text, audio, video or graphics file, or inputs free-form text comprising the fully disclosed RFP, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the RFP, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. User is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. User agrees to terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed RFP is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable originator, to a plurality of originators, or globally to potential originators via the World Wide Web. An originator may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available RFPs by category or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of RFPs. If an originator is interested in reviewing the entire RFP, originator clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the originator the right to review and consider the fully disclosed RFP. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the soliciting user. If originator agrees, originator is granted access to the entire RFP for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If originator is interested in further analysis, originator contacts the soliciting user for further due diligence. If user has agreed to receive proposed chemical compositions from originators, an originator may submit his/her/its software chemical composition as an FDI (fully disclosed idea) in the same manner described above. The soliciting user is then able to scroll through all NDSes submitted as proposed chemical compositions or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant chemical compositions meeting the RFP criteria, and access, pursuant to the terms of an on-line license agreement, only those proposed chemical compositions that the user determines warrant further consideration. Alternatively, proposed chemical compositions may be submitted directly to the soliciting user. If the soliciting user is interested in further analysis, financing and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to a chemical composition, soliciting user contacts the submitting originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., license, option, purchase, investment, development, etc.).

0258RFP: Product Enhancement

0259A user (i.e., individual or entity looking for original product enhancements) (e.g., automobile manufacturer, consulting firm, etc.) is seeking a product enhancement meeting defined development criteria (e.g., lighter weight, greater strength, etc.). The user desires to submit, confidentially or nonconfidentially, a request for proposed product enhancements (“RFP”) globally to originators (e.g., research entities, inventors, scientists, etc.) for his/her/their review and consideration. User logs onto a web site and inputs identifying information and specific development criteria, attaches a text, audio, video or graphics file, or inputs free-form text comprising the fully disclosed RFP, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the RFP, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. User is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. User agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed RFP is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable originator, to a plurality of originators, or globally to potential originators via the World Wide Web. An originator may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available RFPs by category or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of RFPs. If an originator is interested in reviewing the entire RFP, originator clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the originator the right to review and consider the fully disclosed RFP. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the soliciting user. If originator agrees, originator is granted access to the entire RFP for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If originator is interested in further analysis, originator contacts the soliciting user for further due diligence. If user has agreed to receive proposed product enhancements from originators, an originator may submit his/her/its software product enhancement as an FDI (fully disclosed idea) in the same manner described above. The soliciting user is then able to scroll through all NDSes submitted as proposed product enhancements or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant product enhancements meeting the RFP criteria, and access, pursuant to the terms of an on-line license agreement, only those proposed product enhancements that the user determines warrant further consideration. Alternatively, proposed product enhancements may be submitted directly to the soliciting user. If the soliciting user is interested in further analysis, financing and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to a product enhancement, soliciting user contacts the submitting originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., license, option, purchase, investment, development, etc.).

0260RFP: Electronic Game Concept

0261A user (i.e., individual or entity looking for original electronic game concepts) (e.g., game developer, game publisher, etc.) is seeking an electronic game concept meeting defined development criteria (e.g., character type, adventure, etc.). The user desires to submit, confidentially or nonconfidentially, a request for proposed electronic game concepts (“RFP”) globally to originators (e.g., game developers, software engineers, game development companies, etc.) for his/her/their review and consideration. User logs onto a web site and inputs identifying information and specific development criteria, attaches a text, audio, video or graphics file, or inputs free-form text comprising the fully disclosed RFP, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the RFP, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. User is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. User agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed RFP is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable originator, to a plurality of originators, or globally to potential originators via the World Wide Web. An originator may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available RFPs by category or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of RFPs. If an originator is interested in reviewing the entire RFP, originator clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the originator the right to review and consider the fully disclosed RFP. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the soliciting user. If originator agrees, originator is granted access to the entire RFP for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If originator is interested in further analysis, originator contacts the soliciting user for further due diligence. If user has agreed to receive proposed electronic game concepts from originators, an originator may submit his/her/its software electronic game concept as an FDI (fully disclosed idea) in the same manner described above. The soliciting user is then able to scroll through all NDSes submitted as proposed electronic game concepts or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant electronic game concepts meeting the RFP criteria, and access, pursuant to the terms of an on-line license agreement, only those proposed electronic game concepts that the user determines warrant further consideration. Alternatively, proposed electronic game concepts may be submitted directly to the soliciting user. If the soliciting user is interested in further analysis, financing and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to an electronic game concept, soliciting user contacts the submitting originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., license, option, purchase, investment, development, etc.).

0262RFP: Grant Proposal

0263A user (i.e., individual or entity looking for original grant proposals) (e.g., foundation, university, government agency, nonprofit organization, etc.) is seeking a grant proposal meeting defined development criteria (e.g., dollar amount of grant, medical research, community investment, etc.). The user desires to submit, confidentially or nonconfidentially, a request for proposed grant proposals (“RFP”) globally to a plurality of originators or directly to one or more intended and identifiable originators (e.g., individuals, nonprofit organizations, social entrepreneurs, etc.) for his/her/their review and consideration. User logs onto a web site and inputs identifying information and specific development criteria, attaches a text, audio, video or graphics file, or inputs free-form text comprising the fully disclosed RFP, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the RFP, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. User is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. User agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed RFP is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable originator, to a plurality of originators, or globally to potential originators via the World Wide Web. An originator may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available RFPs by category or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of RFPs. If an originator is interested in reviewing the entire RFP, originator clicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the originator the right to review and consider the fully disclosed RFP. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the soliciting user. If originator agrees, originator is granted access to the entire RFP for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If originator is interested in further analysis, originator contacts the soliciting user for further due diligence. If user has agreed to receive proposed grant proposals from originators, an originator may submit his/her/its grant proposal as an FDI (fully disclosed idea) in the same manner described above. The soliciting user is then able to scroll through all NDSes submitted as proposed grant proposals or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevant grant proposals meeting the RFP criteria, and access, pursuant to the terms of an on-line license agreement, only those proposed grant proposals that the user determines warrant further consideration. Alternatively, proposed grant proposals may be submitted directly to the soliciting user. If the soliciting user is interested in further analysis, financing and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to a grant proposal, soliciting user contacts the submitting originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., license, option, purchase, investment, development, etc.).

0264Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention has many applications in all industry segments, and that the applications disclosed herein are merely representative and not exhaustive. The scope of the present invention incorporates known and anticipated applications, modifications and variations of and to the system components described herein, as would be known by those skilled in the art. The scope of this invention is defined by the following claims.